Clematis Comtesse de Bouchaud

Type 3, or hard pruning, means you should cut the vines back to about 12 to 18 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring. This encourages vigorous new growth and ensures the plant blooms on the current season's wood.

Yes, its compact habit makes it a great candidate for containers. Just ensure you use a large pot—at least 15 to 20 inches in diameter—with excellent drainage and a sturdy trellis for the vine to climb.

While it can tolerate partial shade, this clematis performs best and produces the most flowers when it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. In hotter climates, a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal.

Clematis are generally moderate growers. Once established in the ground with proper care and support, you can expect it to reach its full height of 8 to 11 feet within two to three growing seasons.

Because it climbs by twining its leaf stems, it needs a structure with thin elements like a wire trellis, netting, or a thin-gauge metal arbor. It will struggle to climb thick, solid surfaces like wooden fence posts without some added support.