How to Grow Comtesse de Bouchaud
Comtesse de Bouchaud
Clematis × jackmanii 'Comtesse de Bouchaud'
vineComtesse de Bouchaud is a large-flowered clematis vine prized for its abundant, mauve-pink flowers with prominent golden stamens that bloom throughout summer and early fall. This deciduous climber is a hybrid clematis that reaches 8-10 feet and produces 4-6 inch flowers, making it one of the most reliable and floriferous clematis varieties. It's an excellent choice for trellises, arbors, and garden structures, offering continuous color from June through September.
When should you plant Comtesse de Bouchaud in your zone?
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Example Comtesse de Bouchaud timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Comtesse de Bouchaud
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Comtesse de Bouchaud
Around Apr 19≈ 2 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Comtesse de Bouchaud dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, with best performance in zones 5-8
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Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung vine with 2-4 stems and basic leaf structure; appears slow-growing initially
Water regularly to establish root system. Install support structure immediately. Do not fertilize heavily in first year.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 months (spring and early summer)Vine rapidly develops stems and foliage, climbing vigorously along support structure; leaves are compound and bright green
Train stems onto support as they grow. Begin gentle pruning to encourage bushier growth. Water deeply and consistently.
Flowering
4-5 months (June through September/October)Large mauve-pink flowers with 4 sepals and golden stamens bloom profusely along the vine; flowers 4-6 inches across
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during bloom. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Water consistently as flowers demand more moisture.
Post-Bloom/Dormancy
October through MarchFlowers fade and develop feathery seedheads; foliage begins to yellow and fade; vine prepares for winter
Perform late-season pruning in late fall or early spring. Cut back to 12-18 inches above ground or to sturdy buds. Reduce watering. Apply winter mulch.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune out infected stems immediately; ensure good air circulation; water at base to keep foliage dry; fungicide applications may help in severe cases
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and
Hand-pick, use slug barriers, apply diatomaceous earth, or use copper tape around base of vine
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Increase humidity with misting, spray with water to dislodge, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap in severe infestations
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Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicides; remove infected leaves
Uses
Garden Structure Coverage
OrnamentalComtesse de Bouchaud is excellent for covering trellises, arbors, pergolas, and fences, providing colorful long-season coverage while maintaining a degree of transparency that allows viewing through the vine. [source]
Floral Arrangements
CulinaryThe large mauve-pink flowers make striking additions to fresh cut flower arrangements and wedding bouquets, lasting well in water for over a week. [source]
Dried Seedheads
CraftThe feathery, silver-gray seedheads that develop after flowering are prized for dried flower arrangements and craft projects, providing winter interest and texture. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the summer and fall months, supporting pollinator populations in the garden. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers for arrangements just as they fully open; they will last 5-7 days in a vase with fresh water and floral preservative. For ornamental seedheads, allow flowers to fade on the plant and harvest the feathery plumes in late fall for dried arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Comtesse de Bouchaud was hybridized in France in the 1890s and named after a French noblewoman; it remains one of the most reliable and widely grown large-flowered clematis varieties over 130 years later.
- 🌱 This variety is one of the few clematis vines that reliably flowers on new wood (current season's growth), making it forgiving of hard pruning and capable of producing flowers even if winter damage occurs.
- 🌱 The mauve-pink color of the flowers intensifies in cooler climates and becomes lighter in hot regions, meaning the same variety can appear slightly different depending on your garden's temperature and light conditions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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