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Scented leaf pelargonium "Charity" |
Scented leaf pelargoniums don't all have spectacular flowers, or leaves. In the main it is their scent that is the attraction. On a cold winter morning in the greenhouse, it is a joy to rub a leaf from a scented variety and be instantly transported to summer! The scents vary from variety to variety. Most have a lemony, or citrus scent; some are minty, some quite pungent, and some have a rose scent. One of these rose scented types, and a personal favourite, is
"Charity". Like a lot of the scented varieties,
"Charity" is a sport from an unknown rose type scented pelargonium. It was found in the gardens of the Nauvoo Restoration Village in Illinois, U.S.A. around 1990 and named and introduced by Faye Brawner.
The flowers are small and of a typical primitive single form, as most of the scented types have. It is, however the leaves that are the attraction with
"Charity" as well as the rose scent. They are large and deeply incised and lime green in colour and with a deep gold edge. Unlike many variegated types. "Charity" is not a slow grower and quickly develops into a large and striking plant. I like to grow this in a tub placed in a sunny spot in the summer.