Hi, I have had this clematis for about four years now. It has beautiful flowers, but it won't climb the trellis that I made for it. Last year, we used wire ties to try to force it to climb (see photo). But that didn't really work. It said on the website where I bought it that it is supposed to climb eight to ten feet. I would appreciate any help that you can offer. It would be beautiful if it filled up the trellis. Thanks, Pedro

It's a puzzle but it probably needs encouragement (right from the start of growth in spring) to "force" it towards the trellis. Maybe something like dental floss would help guide it.

I do realize you said you used wires, and I'd have thought that would have worked, but it obviously didn't. Even your photo shows it tried to climb, probably last year. I don't know why it didn't continue upwards.

My only other thought would be to replace the clematis with another one (different cultivar) that would happily climb. Candida Lanuginosa is also white and climbs 20' here.

I went to a lecture about clematis and they talked about this problem. The trellis material is to thick for the Clem to hold on to. Get some jut twine and wrap up and down on the trellis. They like to climb an this. When you have to prune you can cut the jute twine and all and compost.
When I get home I'll show you mine.

Thank you both for the advise. I will get some jute twine and give that a try. I guess this will have to be for next year. I have to learn how and what to prune also. Thanks, Pedro

You are always safe cutting out dried and crispy stems/leaves.

Do you have the name of the clematis?

I can't remember the name. It was something like (blank) de lune.

Claire de Lune, a beauty!

Both white clems are lovely. I'd like to have one of those, so they go on my "want" list.

Thanks you all for your suggestions and time. I already bought the jute twine so I am going to try it this year and see what happens. I don't know if it will continue to grow anymore. The petals are already falling off. Should I cut off the left over flower part?

Seed heads are pretty so it's up to you. It doesn't harm the plant to leave them.