to replace the one that keeled over last winter. normally in the past we just dig a hole and plop in the new plant. leaving the current stems and all the foliage intact. ive heard however, for a more impressive display NEXT YEAR, its best to cut it all off and allow the roots to grow this season, and not necessarily worry about flowers or foliage this year, correct?

I would think that leaving foliage attached would help it settle in faster. I don't remove buds either, because if I haven't yet seen blooms I'll want to see if the plant was tagged properly.

Now, I would be tempted to dis-bud an overeager new rootlet; those little plants really do need to concentrate on growing more roots first.

Too many people just dig a hole. Proper preparation is part of success. I'd add bone meal, compost and manure to the soil where the clematis will grow. Some devout gardeners will cut off the current growth but, like Chelle, I like to be sure of the color and the name, so I allow it to bloom then cut it back.

yeah, we always ad a cup of alfalfa meal and a cup of chicken manure to the hole and then cover them with a 2 inch layer of compost. but ive often heard that cutting off any existing stems will benefit the plant in the long run...

Many people do it.

is there any credence to the theory that its actually better for the plant to cut them off than it is to simply leave them on?

I've often read that the best of the English gardeners won't allow any perennial to bloom for the first two years so the roots develop. I've just never had that kind of courage or patience.

I cant wait two years! haha

I know how you feel.