My clematis blooms have fallen off replaced with bushy white “buds” and foliage is questionable

Question

I have never had clematis, and love the blooms. I bought my baby clematis with full size purple blooms but they all fell off, and have given way to round “hairy white” of what I don’t know — maybe it is just part of their cycle? It is in a pot, local nusery said to put in ground – and I have never seen any resemblance in any site that matches up with what is happening? I told nursery employees possible lack of nitrogen and they blew it off. Any ideas? Thank y0ou

Answer 1

These are just the remaining seed heads.
This article will help you with pruning.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/pruning-clematis-vines.htm