Clematis (Clematis 'Comtesse de Bouchaud')

Overview

The Clematis ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ is celebrated globally for its incredibly long and vibrant blooming period, offering dependable, large, rose-pink flowers throughout the summer. This vigorous vining hybrid brings spectacular vertical interest to any garden structure, making it a cornerstone for cottage gardens and contemporary spaces alike. As a highly popular cultivar, the Clematis ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ reliably performs across a wide range of hardiness zones.

This type of Clematis brings significant architectural height, swiftly climbing structures using twining leaf stalks to create a living curtain of color. It requires consistent nurture regarding root shade and moisture, but the reward is a magnificent display that few other vines can match in late-season flowering consistency.

For gardeners seeking continuous color from a woody vine, incorporating the robust Clematis into the landscape plan is essential. Ensure suitable support is in place early, allowing this beautiful member of the Clematis genus to establish itself successfully.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Ranunculaceae
• Plant Type: Vine
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 8-12 ft
  • Spread: 3-6 ft
• Bloom Time: June to September
• Bloom Description: Rose pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Planting your Clematis ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ should occur when soil conditions are optimal, favoring spring or early fall. This plant thrives in fertile, well-drained soils that maintain medium moisture levels. While the flowering sections of this vining hybrid enjoy full sun exposure or light afternoon shade, the roots must be kept cool, shaded, and consistently moist to prevent stress.

Care revolves around steady hydration and root protection. Never allow the soil around your Clematis to dry out completely, especially during peak summer heat. To shade the roots effectively, plant low-growing perennials, small shrubs, or apply a thick layer of root mulch over the root zone. All Clematis vines absolutely require a trellis, arbor, or other sturdy support structure to climb.

Regarding feeding, this deciduous Clematis variety generally needs consistent, but not excessive, fertilization to support its long bloom cycle. The pruning strategy for ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ is flexible; it can often be managed as either a Group 2 or Group 3 clematis, depending on desired timing and pruning severity. Check specific pruning guides to determine the best approach for your cultural goals.

Landscape Uses

Clematis are unmatched in their ability to vertically enhance garden spaces. Clematis ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ is ideal when trained up walls, fences, arbors, or trellises, providing excellent architectural height and screening capabilities. Its rose-pink blooms offer a soft contrast against wood or stone surfaces.

Beyond vertical applications, this flexible vine can be planted to sprawl naturally over sturdy shrubs or scramble enthusiastically across old stumps, creating a beautiful, informal effect. For gardeners with limited yard space, this vigorous grower performs admirably in large containers, provided watering needs are strictly met. Pair it with upright companions like delphiniums or tall grasses, allowing the Clematis to weave through them for a layered, textural display.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Clematis is a genus of over 250 species, most of which are woody to semi-woody deciduous vines climbing by twining leaf stalks or in some cases trailing over support, but in a few cases grow as freestanding or sprawling herbaceous perennials and small deciduous or evergreen shrubs. ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ is specifically noted as a large-flowering hybrid cultivar featuring profuse, 4-6” across, rose pink flowers with creamy yellow stamens, which appear on the current season’s growth in a long, continuous summer display. These beautiful flowers make this one of the most popular pink Clematis selections available today.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

This rewarding Clematis variety can face several challenges, including susceptibility to wilt or stem rot, which can prove fatal if not addressed quickly. Regularly inspect foliage for signs of common fungal issues like powdery mildew, leaf spots, or rust, ensuring good air circulation around the plant aids prevention. Potential insect pests requiring vigilance include aphids, slugs/snails, scale, and earwigs; spider mites are also a risk in hot, dry conditions. Promptly address infestations and ensure cultural requirements, especially root shade, are met to maintain a healthy, resilient plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Clematis ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ suitable for?

Clematis ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ is hardy across a wide range, thriving in USDA Zones 4 through 9.

How large does Clematis grow?

This vigorous vine typically reaches a mature height between 8 and 12 feet, with a moderate spread of 3 to 6 feet wide.

What sun exposure does this Clematis need?

For optimal flowering and health, Clematis ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ requires full sun to partial shade, though protection from intense mid-day western sun is sometimes beneficial.

When does Clematis ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ bloom?

This cultivar provides a remarkable summer show, blooming profusely from June right through September with characteristic rose-pink flowers.

Conclusion

The Clematis ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ is an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking reliable, continuous, large-flowered color from early summer well into autumn. Its vigorous climbing habit and striking rose-pink hue ensure it acts as a powerful focal point. Before planting, confirm your site provides the necessary support and the cool, shaded root conditions required for successful establishment of this superb Clematis.

Companion Planting Considerations

When planning where to place your Clematis, consider plants that appreciate similar soil moisture and sun patterns while providing ground cover near the base. Low-growing perennials with dense foliage are excellent choices to shade the roots of the Clematis, keeping them cool throughout the growing season. Consider planting shorter hostas, spreading geraniums, or compact astilbes near the base of the support structure. This strategy fulfills the vital cultural requirement of keeping the roots of the Clematis shaded while preventing weed competition.

Pruning Strategy for Success

Because Clematis ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ flowers on new wood, pruning is largely dictated by whether you manage it as a Group 2 or Group 3 type. If treated as Group 3, you can cut the entire vine down to 6-12 inches above the ground either in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, encouraging vigorous new flowering stems. If managed as Group 2, prune only dead or damaged stems and lightly shape the structure after blooming, though pruning in fall or spring may delay or reduce the initial flush of flowers compared to a Group 3 cutback. Consult detailed pruning guides to select the most appropriate strategy for consistent flowering performance from your Clematis.