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

Clematis 'Dorothy Walton' , also known as 'Bagatelle' , is a vigorous cultivar of the genus Clematis, family Ranunculaceae, noted for its large, star-shaped flowers and long flowering period. This deciduous climber, native to France, is prized for its decorative appearance and versatility in gardens, being ideal for covering pergolas, fences, trellises or for container cultivation. The name 'Dorothy Walton' was given by Jim Fisk to a client who discovered this initially unidentified variety in her garden, although it was later determined to be identical to 'Bagatelle'.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The leaves are compound, medium-bright green , oppositely arranged, with 3-5 ovate or lanceolate 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 long, pointed tepals (petaloid sepals), of a pale mauve (lilac-silver) with a darker, purple central band . The filaments are white, and the anthers of a purple-violet , creating an elegant contrast. Flowering occurs from June-July to September , with a second abundant flowering in late summer, especially in temperate climates. The flowers appear on the new growth of the current year.
  
• Fruit : Produces fluffy, silvery, decorative seed heads that persist into fall, adding visual interest after flowering. These are typical of clematis, but are not used for propagation due to their 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.
  
• Vigor : Moderately fast growing, vigorous and healthy, with stems that cling by twisted petioles. It is more compact than other clematis in the late flowering group.
  
• Type : Deciduous climbing plant, belonging to group 3 (late, large-flowered), which means it blooms on new wood and requires severe 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 blooms more abundantly in bright light.
  
• Soil : Grows in moist, well-drained , fertile, loamy to calcareous soils (neutral or slightly alkaline pH). Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve moisture retention. Plant with the root crown 3 inches (7.5 cm) below ground level to encourage new shoots.
  
• Watering : Water regularly , especially in the first year and during dry periods, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. In containers, water frequently, using a soil-based compost (e.g. John Innes No. 3).
  
• Temperature : Hardy in zones 4-9 (down to -29°C), suitable for temperate climates. It tolerates Romanian winters well, but mulch the base of the plant in colder areas for protection.
  

Care and resistance

• Resistance : Robust, with good disease resistance, although it can be affected by clematis wilt or pests such as aphids , slugs or mites . Annual pruning reduces the risk of disease.
  
• Fertilizer : 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 retain moisture and feed the plant.
• Pruning : Being in group 3 , prune severely in February-March , reducing all stems to 20-30 cm above the ground , down to a pair of healthy buds. This stimulates abundant flowering on new wood. Remove faded flowers to prolong flowering.
  
• Propagation : Propagate 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 off affected parts) and powdery mildew . Inspect regularly for slugs and aphids, using organic methods if necessary.

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

Origin

Originally from France , this variety was originally grown in the garden of the Château Bagatelle in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris, from which its synonym derives. Introduced before 1930, it was renamed 'Dorothy Walton' by Jim Fisk after a client. It is a hybrid of the late large-flowered group, of unknown parentage, but prized for its distinctive flowers and hardiness.

In the cold season, the plants appear as leafless sticks that appear dry - this is perfectly normal and the plants are as viable as possible.

Height with pot included: approx. 50-60 cm