Pixie I have pruned quite a few of my type IIIs by half, fertilized and kept them watered well, and they have rebloomed for me. I don't know about the Comtesse de Bouchard, but the only way you will find out is to try it. You certainly can't hurt it by trying and in your zone, you might 3 or more bloom cycles out of it by doing so.

I agree, go for it.

Thanks to both of you for your replies. I will do so tommorrow and will let ya'll know the turn out.