Brenda, I wish I could tell you what to do to get clematis to grow and bloom vigorously, but I can't , because I don't do anything with them other than plant them and water them during dry spells. The soil in this part of the Iowa River valley is unusual, so that may have something to do with it. It's the richest soil in the world and only occurs here and in the Ukraine.
I do know that clematis tend to like soil just a bit on the alkaline side. Ours is neutral. And I do plant clematis in spots where the roots are in the shade and the vine can climb up to get sun at least part of the day. Here are a few more:
Clematis in yew
This is 'Arctic Queen'
"Blue Light'
Autumn Clematis hiding a dead shrub
