Can Bushy Blue Bell Clematis thrive in full sun in the hot climate of south central Kansas?

I think if it's the bush form it prefers full sun. In your area and in mine, it needs to be watered often.

Welcome to ATP, Laurie!

Welcome to ATP Laurie.

I grow all my clematis in full sun. Clematis like their vines, that is their leaves, in the sun but the roots like to stay cool. The best way to accomplish that is with a nice thick mulch to shade those roots and to help keep them moist. In fact I would say that mulch is a must do in your hot climate.

I agree with Sharon that you should keep them well watered.

Thanks for the welcome and the advice Sharon and NewYorkRita! I got a pair of Bushy Blue Bell Clematis, so it's helpful to know they are likely to handle sun like other clematis do. I'm waiting until our 96 degree heat spell is over this week before I plant them, however!

They will be so beautiful, but same here, no planting until it cools way down.
I hope you'll share pictures with us when they bloom!

Laurie!
I'm in South Central Kansas also, and my clematis are all in full hot windy sun. Not all of them are mulched--but they do have other plants shading their roots. I don't have irrigation, and they do ok, but those that are planted closer to the faucet definitely do better.
Are you near Wichita? I'm east, near Andover.
Did you get your clems from Arnolds?