I am a zone 4 but as we know not all zone 4's are equal. I simply cannot keep a clematis growing. I have one strange looking one that seems to return but don't know the name. It isn't doing as well this summer. I will go to the clematis forum and see what to feed them and what a good soil mix is. Mine is a loamy clay mix in layers.

I just drool over all these gorgeous vines. Thanks so much for taking time to post them.

I am sure there will be some articles this week on what to add the soil mix and the planting depth of the crown which really help with good growth.The planting hole should be atleast 18 x 18 x18. I would fill with good quality compost and some drainage material like expanded shale.

I am going to watch for articles that do give us more info. Including the shade loving clems.

Just looking through I think my favorite is "Venosa Violcea" but it is hard to choose.

VVV is blooms like crazy for me

The hardest part would be choosing. I suppose I would just take what I could get from Home Depot or Lowes. Thanks for the responses. I will look forward to more articles.

That is definitely the hardest part! I think there is some advice in Hummingbird Farms about growing in cold climates

Yes. Arlene (Pirl) pointed me in that direction and I have printed some of their advice and ordered two 'easy' ones. I identified the one I have as Stolwijk Gold. Was happy about that. They are in my favorites now.

Oberon, I am in zone 4a. The two clematis that do best for me are Niobe and H. F. Young. They are nearly indestructible. I have tried half a dozen others that did not work well. If you like the shrub or pillar type clematis, Alan Bloom and Mrs. Robert Brydon do well here also. I have clay soil, so I dig a pretty big hole and amend with compost. Other than that, I pretty much leave them alone except to cut back according to whatever pruning type they are.
I got a friend of mine a $5.00 H.F. Young at either Lowe's or Home Depot last year and it is gigantic....he also got Rosemoor at a fancy nursery, it was highly recommended, and it croaked. You never know.

thanks so much. That is great information. I think a lot of my failures were due to not properly preparing the soil so that is the first correction. I will look up the clems you recommended.

Regards,
Mary