Clematis 'Dorothy Walton' (Bagatelle) - clematite cu flori XL (Late Large-flowered Group)

Clematis 'Dorothy Walton', also known by the synonym 'Bagatelle', is a vigorous cultivar from the Clematis genus, family Ranunculaceae, renowned for its large, star-shaped flowers and prolonged blooming. This deciduous climbing plant, native to France, is valued for its decorative appearance and versatility in gardens, being ideal for covering pergolas, fences, trellises, or for growing in containers. The name 'Dorothy Walton' was given by Jim Fisk to a customer who discovered this variety, initially unidentified, in her garden, although it was later established to be identical to 'Bagatelle'.

Appearance of leaves, flowers, and fruits

• Leaves: The leaves are compound, of a medium-bright green, arranged opposite, with 3-5 ovate or lance-shaped leaflets. They are deciduous, falling in winter, but provide a dense and attractive background during the growing season.
• Flowers: The flowers are large, 10-15 cm in diameter, star-shaped, with 4-8 tepals (petal-like sepals) long, pointed, of a pale mauve (silvery lilac) with a darker, purplish central stripe. The filaments are white, and the anthers a purple-violet, creating an elegant contrast. Blooming occurs from June-July until September, with a second abundant flowering at the end of summer, especially in temperate climates. Flowers appear on the new growth of the current year.
  
• Fruits: It produces decorative, fluffy, silvery seed heads that persist into autumn, adding visual interest after flowering. These are typical for clematis but are not used for propagation due to the hybrid nature.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width: Grows up to 3-4 m tall and 1-1.5 m wide in 2-5 years, being a medium-sized climbing plant, suitable for small spaces or containers.
  
• Vigour: Moderately fast growth, vigorous and healthy, with stems that cling by twisted leaf stalks. It is more compact than other clematis in the late-flowering group.
  
• Type: Deciduous climbing plant, belonging to group 3 (late, with large flowers), meaning it blooms on new wood and requires hard pruning.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun or partial shade, with roots shaded (e.g., by mulch or low plants). Tolerates any orientation (north, south, east, west), but flowers more abundantly in strong light.
  
• Soil: Grows in moist, well-drained, fertile soils, from clay to chalky (neutral or slightly alkaline pH). Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve moisture retention. Plant with the root crown 7.5 cm below soil level to encourage new shoots.
  
• Watering: Water regularly, especially in the first year and during dry spells, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. In containers, water frequently, using soil-based compost (e.g., John Innes No. 3).
  
• Temperature: Hardy in zones 4-9 (down to -29°C), suitable for temperate climates. Tolerates Romanian winters well, but mulch the plant base in colder areas for protection.
  

Care and resistance

• Resistance: Robust, with good disease resistance, though it can be affected by clematis wilt or pests such as aphids, slugs, or mites. Annual pruning reduces disease risk.
  
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring and summer, once every 4-6 weeks. Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted manure to maintain moisture and feed the plant.
• Pruning: Being in group 3, prune hard in February-March, cutting all stems back to 20-30 cm above the ground, down to a pair of healthy buds. This encourages abundant flowering on new wood. Remove faded flowers to prolong blooming.
  
• Propagation: Propagated by semi-woody cuttings in spring or summer or by layering in winter. Seeds are not viable due to the hybrid nature.
• Pests and diseases: Susceptible to clematis wilt (treat by cutting away affected parts) and powdery mildew. Regularly check for slugs and aphids, using organic methods if needed.

Clematis 'Dorothy Walton' is ideal for ornamental gardens, pergolas, fences, trellises, or containers on terraces. Its mauve flowers with a purple stripe add a delicate contrast, blending well with white roses, lavender, or other clematis. It can be used as ground cover in open spaces due to its vigour. It attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity. It is perfect for cottage gardens or modern landscapes, thanks to its long blooming and elegant appearance.

Origin

Native to France, this variety was initially cultivated in the garden of the Bagatelle castle in Bois de Boulogne, Paris, from where its synonym comes. Introduced before 1930, it was renamed 'Dorothy Walton' by Jim Fisk after a customer. It is a hybrid from the late large-flowered group, with unknown parentage, but valued for its distinctive flowers and hardiness.

During the cold season, the plants appear as leafless sticks that seem dry – this appearance is perfectly normal and the plants are fully viable.

Height including pot: approx. 50-60 cm