Clematis Comtesse de Bouchaud

Clematis Comtesse de Bouchaud

Why Buy Me?

• Large star shaped flowers
• Free flowering
• Easy to grow

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flower production. Can tolerate some shade, but flowering may be reduced in low-light areas.

Soil:
Well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Loamy soil is ideal, but it also grows well in sandy or light clay if drainage is good. Avoid waterlogged conditions that can lead to root rot.

Exposure:
Best grown in open, sunny borders or trained against walls, fences, pergolas, or trellises. Ensure the top of the plant is in sun and the base is shaded to protect roots — use mulch or low-growing plants.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in dry periods. More drought-tolerant once well established, but flowering and foliage may suffer under prolonged dry conditions.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in early spring or autumn when the soil is moist and workable. Autumn planting allows roots to establish before winter.

Spacing:
Space 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft) from other climbers. Grows 2–3 m (6–10 ft) tall with adequate support, spreading as it climbs.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water thoroughly during dry spells. Apply a balanced or high-potash fertilizer in early spring and again after the first flush of blooms to promote extended flowering. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to more leaves than flowers.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring to keep roots cool and moist.
Pruning group 3: Prune hard in late winter or early spring (February or March) to 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) from ground level. This encourages strong new stems that will bear the season’s flowers.

Propagation:
Best propagated by layering or softwood/semi-ripe cuttings in late spring to summer. As a named cultivar, it should be propagated vegetatively to maintain its true characteristics.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New growth appears early in the season. Vines start climbing quickly with rising temperatures.

Summer:
Large, soft mauve-pink flowers with slightly wavy edges bloom profusely from mid to late summer (typically June to September). Each flower is around 10–15 cm across with contrasting yellow stamens.

Autumn:
Flowering may continue into early autumn with deadheading. Foliage turns yellow before dropping.

Winter:
Deciduous. Dormant in winter with bare stems; prune in late winter as per Group 3 clematis.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Flowers attract bees and other pollinators during the summer bloom period. Foliage provides seasonal cover but limited wildlife benefit otherwise.

Garden Use:
Perfect for training up fences, trellises, arches, and pergolas. Excellent in cottage gardens, mixed borders, or grown through shrubs or small trees for a naturalistic effect. Suitable for large containers with appropriate support.

Companion Plants:
Pairs beautifully with climbing roses, Honeysuckle, and other clematis with complementary or contrasting colours. Works well with perennials such as Salvia, Geranium, Lavender, Campanula, or ornamental grasses. Soft pink tones contrast nicely with deep purples, blues, and white-flowered plants.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Clematis Comtesse de Bouchaud. It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.