Clematis Clematis 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' (LL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' is a perennial vine that boasts a profusion of blooms, which captivate onlookers with their romantic allure. The flowers are large and showy, typically presenting themselves in a soft, mauve-pink hue that lends a gentle but striking splash of color. Each flower is composed of six to eight broad petals that overlap slightly, giving them a full and rounded appearance. At the center of the blossom, a pronounced tuft of creamy yellow stamens creates a delightful contrast against the pastel petals, adding to the plant's visual interest. The leaves of the Clematis 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' are bright green, providing a verdant backdrop for the flowers. These leaves are compound, with each leaf grouping consisting of multiple leaflets, and they are arranged alternately along the climbing stems which twine and clamber, needing support to ascend. Flowering usually occurs from midsummer to early fall, and during this period, the vine can be quite a spectacle as it becomes laden with blooms. Each individual flower exudes an elegance with its sleek and velvety texture, inviting gardeners and visitors alike to take a closer moment’s admiration. Adding to the charm, the bloom period of this vine is notably generous, providing an extended show of color throughout the growing season. After the flowers have delighted the senses, they are followed by a display of fluffy seed heads that also carry visual interest well into the colder months. The plant's twining habit means it can gracefully cover trellises, fences, and other garden structures, offering a lovely vertical element to landscapes. Overall, Clematis 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' is an attractive climbing plant celebrated for its gorgeous blooms, lengthy flowering period, and the elegance it adds to any garden setting. Its soft color palette and ability to blend with various garden designs make it a popular choice among garden aficionados.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Clematis 'Comtesse de Bouchaud', Comtesse de Bouchaud Clematis.
Common names
Clematis 'Comtesse de Bouchaud'
ToxicityTo humans
The Clematis plant, specifically the 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' variety, can be toxic to humans if ingested. Its toxicity is mainly due to compounds known as glycosides which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms of Clematis poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excess salivation. In some cases, there can also be skin irritation upon contact with the sap. If a significant amount is ingested, these symptoms may be more severe and medical attention should be sought.
To pets
The Clematis plant, also in this 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' variety, is toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. When ingested by pets, the plant can cause similar symptoms to those experienced by humans, including vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, and at times, ataxia or other signs of a negative neurological reaction. If a pet ingests part of a Clematis plant, monitoring for signs of gastrointestinal distress and contacting a veterinarian for advice is recommended due to the potential for serious complications.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' adds visual interest to gardens with its large, mauve-pink blooms.
- Vertical Gardening: This clematis is ideal for vertical gardening, allowing for efficient use of space by growing on trellises, walls, or arbors.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, container gardening, and as a specimen plant.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides seasonal interest with blooms typically appearing in late spring to early fall.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, thus promoting biodiversity.
- Privacy Screen: When used on fences or trellises, Clematis 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' can create a natural privacy screen.
- Easy Pruning: It belongs to Pruning Group 3, which means it is relatively easy to care for and can be cut back hard at the end of winter to promote new growth.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis cuttings can be used in rooting hormone research, providing a good model for studying the effectiveness of different rooting agents.
- In fabric dyeing, the deep pigments of the Clematis flowers may be used to naturally dye textiles, offering a range of purples and mauves.
- The plant's climbing nature makes it suitable for vertical gardening, allowing gardeners with limited space to create green walls.
- Clemsatis vines can be trained to grow over unsightly structures, providing a natural cover that beautifies and integrates man-made objects into the garden.
- Some artisans may use dried Clematis vines in basketry or other woven art pieces, utilizing the plant's natural flexibility.
- The seed heads of Clematis can add texture and interest to dried floral arrangements, lasting long after the flowers have faded.
- Photographers can use the Clematis as a subject for botanical photography studies, capturing the intricate details of the blooms and foliage.
- Vigorous varieties of Clematis can be used in land reclamation projects, helping to stabilize soil and provide coverage on slopes or disturbed areas.
- The plant can serve as a natural privacy screen when trained along fences or arbors, giving a lush backdrop to outdoor spaces.
- Garden designers may utilize Clematis in thematic gardens, such as Victorian or cottage-style landscapes, to add authenticity and period correctness.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ingenuity: Clematis is known to climb and adapt to its environment using its leaf tendrils, symbolizing creativity and intellectual prowess.
- Mental Beauty: With its intricate flowers, the clematis often represents the beauty and complexity of the mind.
- Artistic Inspiration: The enchanting appearance of the clematis can inspire artists, making it a symbol for artistic endeavors and inspiration.
- Ambition: Much like how the clematis vine reaches for light and space to grow, this plant symbolizes striving towards higher goals and aspirations.
- Traveler's Joy: While this might refer to a different species, the name has been used to describe clematis in general, representing safety and adventure for travelers.
WaterThe clematis, commonly referred to as the Queen of Vines, prefers consistent moisture. For 'Comtesse de Bouchaud', water the plant thoroughly once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot or dry periods, increase watering to twice per week. Provide about 1 gallon of water each time to sufficiently hydrate the roots, especially during the growing season. In winter, reduce watering to match the plant's reduced needs, but do not let the soil dry out completely.
LightThe Queen of Vines, including 'Comtesse de Bouchaud', thrives in locations where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. The best spot for the plant is one where its flowers are exposed to sunlight while the roots and base can be kept cool and shaded. Partial shade, especially from the harsh afternoon sun, is ideal to prevent the blooms from fading too quickly.
TemperatureThe Queen of Vines prefers temperate conditions and can generally survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit during its dormant period and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit when active. Ideal growing temperatures for 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' range from 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The clematis is relatively hardy but should be protected from freezing temperatures and extreme heat.
PruningPruning the Queen of Vines, such as 'Comtesse de Bouchaud', encourages strong growth and flowering. It's a type-3 clematis, so prune in late winter or early spring before active growth begins, cutting back stems to strong leaf buds about 12 to 18 inches above ground level. Dead and weak stems should also be removed to promote a tidy plant structure and improve air circulation, which helps prevent disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis Comtesse de Bouchaud thrives in well-draining, moisture-retentive soil with a high content of organic matter. A mix of garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure or leaf mold is ideal. Adjusting the pH to be slightly alkaline, around 7.0, is best for this clematis.
RepottingClematis Comtesse de Bouchaud usually does not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for several years. However, repotting every 3-4 years or when the plant has outgrown its space can refresh the soil and invigorate the plant.
Humidity & MistingClematis Comtesse de Bouchaud generally prefers outdoor conditions and can tolerate a range of humidity levels. Optimal humidity levels for healthy growth would be average ambient outdoor humidity, avoiding extremely dry or overly moist environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure strong light, cool roots, support structure, and periodic feeding.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, provide support, mulch roots, water deeply, fertilize.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in moist, well-drained soil with ample sunlight. After germination, it enters a vigorous vegetative growth stage where it develops a strong root system and long, climbing vines. During early to mid-summer, it produces large, pink-mauve flowers that attract pollinators and subsequently may produce small, fluffy seed heads if the flowers are fertilized. After flowering, the plant enters a period of senescence where leaves may yellow and drop, especially if there's a cool or frosty period. In late autumn or winter, the plant becomes dormant, storing energy in its roots for the next growing season. The cycle resumes in spring when new shoots emerge from the rootstock or from nodes along the vines, leading back to the vegetative growth phase.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Clematis 'Comtesse de Bouchaud', also commonly known as Clematis, is best propagated through a popular method known as layering, typically in spring or early autumn. To perform layering, a healthy, long stem is chosen, and a small incision or nick is made in the stem, usually beneath a leaf joint, to encourage root formation. This wounded portion of the stem is then pinned down to the soil and covered with soil, leaving the growing tip exposed. It's important to keep the soil moist until roots develop, which can take several months. Once the roots are established, the new plant can then be severed from the parent and transplanted to the desired location. Layering mimics the natural process by which clematis can self-propagate, taking advantage of the plant's innate ability to root from its own stems when they come in contact with soil.
