thanks, all.
I think CLEM-a-tis is preferred here in the DC area--it's definitely what I hear others say, pretty consistently.
Zuzu, I like a-gus-TASH and dislike both the correct pronunciations as well!
a-gus-TASH sounds like I'm touring the local art museum--'and here we have a *lovely* painting of a-gus-TASH; notice the artist's brilliant colors and insouciant style'.
The other two make me think of trudging across a patch of stickers 'ahhh the STACKIES'.
