Meredith-I think there's a lot of liberty taken describing flower colors in general. I bought a hydrangea once that was described as a color breakthrough, and the reddest hydrangea yet. It was pink.
Whatever it's color, it looks great with that Clematis. I only have one black one that's bloomed, and it's color has been consistent through the years. Maybe someone else has had that happen and can chime in..
Baby's head