I have grown it and it's beautiful. I've also had 3 die over the winter, unfortunately, and it looks like I'm a zone ahead of you.

I would think it unlikely that you see buds on this one just yet unless it was greenhouse raised and you planted it this year? Otherwise the buds form later.

Planted late fall 2 years ago. Much of it wilted last year, so I only saw a few flowers, which were promptly destroyed by earwigs. It didn't occur to me at the time that it had bloomed too early.

Considering you lost so many MB-V's I guess I'm glad I don't have it.

How is your garden doing - have you had any flooding?

I have it and it's blooming now. It does seem early this year. This is my oldest clematis, it was here when we moved here 41 years ago. It's very vigorous, it is at least 8' this year.

mine is in third year and I have had very little bloom last year - too much shade and blooms late- like September for me. I moved it to sunnier area and it going strong but no blooms yet or even buds.

Thanks for the input, Linda.

I read somewhere that Madame Baron Veillard needs to be in full sun so the stems can ripen. I confess to not really knowing what that means. Regardless, I hope your MBV blooms well this year.