There is a lot of unknown with Lilac Charm's parents I think, something much more modern in that lineage than is evident in face value. Because NEWS is really modern in habit, bloom size, there is basically no scent.....the plant shows no traces of gallica or species, it looks and behaves just like any modern bedder. Here in NE Florida the summer blooms are pointless: they don't fully open, they tend to have misshapen petals (overly ruffled?) if they do open, the color is washed out grayish magenta. In the spring and fall the blooms are huge and vivid. Surprisingly free of fungal diseases. Repeat bloom is fast.

Although not the most fragrant in the garden, News has quite a respectable spicy perfume, much more than she is given credit for. And the color--you will want to eat it!