Comtesse de Bouchaud Clematis

Comtesse de Bouchaud is a deciduous, late large-flowered clematis with rosy-pink blooms and creamy-yellow stamens. The Royal Horticultural Society describes flowers from early to late summer and notes that this cultivar can be pruned using either Group 2 or Group 3 methods. ## Flower and form The mauvish rose-pink flowers can reach about 15 cm across. This climbing cultivar suits a trellis, fence, or other support; the RHS lists an eventual height of 1.5–2.5 m and spread of 0.5–1 m. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. Keep the root zone cool and evenly moist, especially during dry periods, and give the stems a support to twine around. For container culture, the RHS recommends a deep, wide pot and loam-based compost. ## Maintenance Pruning can follow Group 2 or Group 3 depending on the desired framework and flowering approach. If using Group 2, retain a framework and prune in late winter or early spring, then lightly after the first flush. [RHS cultivar profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/98389/clematis-comtesse-de-bouchaud-ll/details); [RHS Group 2 pruning](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/clematis/group-two-pruning-guide); [RHS Group 3 pruning](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/clematis/group-three-pruning-guide); [RHS clematis growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/clematis/growing-guide).