I would have said more like lobelia cardinalis. But, as you say, the colours probably aren't true. Phil J

you could always contact portmerion themselves and ask there...

sorry to ask such a daft question, but perhaps it says on the bottom of the pot? I've got a feeling we had a bowl once and the design was just the name of the plant, cyclamen or somesuch.

Thanks everybody...all help appreciated. The Portmeirion pot doesn't have any identifying flower name on it - agreed that IS unusual - and it is definitely Portmeirion!
The colours are usually quite good with Portmeirion - despite the firing process but I take your point Philjeffs and like the lobelia suggestion a lot.
I am a member of the collectors club....and have the entire lists of designs ....I thought... so I will indeed be asking the makers...he trouble is that their own lists are not complete because records were not kept until the late 1990s and of course Portmeirion was made from 1980 and we think this is an early piece.
Nevertheless I will try! Thanks again everybody.

Hi all...just had an e-mail from another Portmeirion collector who recognised the flower/design...believe it or not is known as a "Yellow Foxglove"
Well you could have fooled me ....but there it is - a touch of artistic license methinks! Anyway - it is a VERY rare piece - as the design was only used for a limited time and on very few pieces and then discontinued in 1983.
Mystery solved ...and I thank you all for you patience!

Digitalis obscura? Leaves of the actual plant are much narrower but flowers kind of match it. Artistic licence...

Yellow Foxglove? I would have sworn that Firecracker Penstemon (P. eatonii) was used as the model!

Thank you Tugbrethil...my thoughts exactly!! Fractal - you have indeed hit the nail on the head ...I have been doing a bit of digging (in my old books I mean!!) And this is what one of them says....
"The evergreen foliage of Digitalis obscura more resembles penstemons than foxglove. Pendulous thimble-shaped flowers are dusky amber, burnt orange, red, & beige. These tall, upright, but sometimes curving stems of thimble-flowers could easily be confused for penstemons, for their flowers as well as leaves."

So we were all on the right lines..and I can see why the design was discontinued - too confusing!!!

To get back to the 'rare piece' - have you had it valued? Just interested .... or nosey ;o)

I agree about wanting to know "How much" etc....as I collect Porteirion and indeed have used my whole tea and dinner service every day now for over 35 years .....how's that for a recommendation!!
I will do a bit of research and my friend who actually owns it - picked it up at a car boot sale......LOL Yes there are still bargains if one looks, Folks!!
Watch this space.....;>>>)))