Clematis: Clematis blooms, Everyday , 1 by Sharkey

Sharkey wrote:
Well, I've hesitated to post a photo, but as a beginner, I'm proud of my first blooms from a clem--EVER! I planted Dr. Rupple and Fireworks last year as liners. (Didn't know what a liner was until recently.) I assume that the darker one is Fireworks??? One stem is finally wanting to climb now. I'm pleased with the bushy growth near the ground. Should I leave the mulch or pull it back?

I planted three others last year. Galore is really taking off and looks good even at ground level. Huldine is growing like a weed. I try not to think about how many I've bought this year.
I bought Comtesse de Bouchaud yesterday at Tally Nursery. It was left from last year and in a 2-gallon pot. I planted it today. Its root system looked good, but actually not as good as those I've bought from Uncle Greenthumb and Debbie. It had a lot of growth, but very leggy, so I actually found the nerve to trim it back. Shouldn't I see blooms this year?