Flowering would be nice -- especially in pink or purple -- but I am more concerned about it growing quickly and it not taking over my garden beds.
Here are some options according to your zone. The clematis vines are not invasive that I know of EXCEPT the Sweet Autumn Clematis. It has small white blooms in the fall. It is frightfully invasive. Another to avoid that I see below is the trumpet vine, campsis radicans. That is one many have regretted planting.
I could recommend trumpet honeysuckle and crossvine, also. Trumpet honeysuckle, though not invasive, grows thick and heavy so you need to have a sturdy trellis or it will all come down in a storm. I speak from experience. I love the plant for the hummingbirds it brings. I have not planted crossvine, but I know others who have and they love it.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/hardy-vines-for-zone-5.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/zone-6-evergreen-vines.htm
the leaves on my clematis are dry and crumbling i have tried watering and plant feed . they normally are covered with flowers .
Sometimes too much water will give the same symptoms as when the plant needs water. The roots can get waterlogged and not able to uptake the water and nutrients. It could be clematis wilt, which is common in clematis.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/clematis-wilt-treatment.htm
Hi, I have many, many clematis in pots but have lost around 12 (!) so far this spring (in Australia). As you will know, clematis have very thick, strong roots - but I've emptied the pots where the plants have not come out of dormancy, and they look like this (see photos). All the fleshy parts of the roots have gone, leaving only the thin inner tendrils. Any idea what could have caused this? I had a problem with root scale six months ago which I've controlled by repotting, removing all soil and treating with diatomaceous earth, but could they have done this much damage to the remaining clematis, or is it more likely to be slugs (or something else)? Hope you can help! Thanks.
It just sounds like they have gone through so much stress that they have not had a chance to grow back any roots lost! You may have to care for them inside until they are healthy enough to move outside.
This article will help you to care for them in container:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/growing-clematis-in-pots.htm
I wish to replace an evergreen, about 3-4 years old with, maybe a montana or similar in the same place. I know that with some plants, eg roses, this is not a good idea. Please help. Thanks.
As long as the Clematis did not die of disease, then it can be fine to replace it with another. This is the same concept for roses.
Here are some articles that will help you to grow Clematis:
My seeds are currently in the freezer as instructed.
In your area, it is best to start them outdoors. Like with your peony seeds, they will require several freeze/thaw cycles in order to germinate. They will take anywhere between one and three years to germinate. You can do this in one year with your freezer, just like with your peony seeds.
Once you do get them germinated, this article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/growing-clematis.htm
My clematis blooms but not profusely like my neighbor's does, and many others I have seen. I was told to add lime to the soil around the clematis. Is this a good idea, and if so is it dolomitic lime I would use. Thanks so much. Ottawa
Lime won't help it to bloom, but it can help correct pH, calcium, and magnesium issues. Fertilizers for blooming tend to be high in phosphorus and potassium.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/getting-clematis-to-flower.htm
I have a compact patio clematis (Olympia). I have transferred it out of a ceramic pot into a plastic post for winter and have mulched the top of the soil. When should I stop watering it? Any guidance on wintering it over so that it will bloom next spring would be appreciated. thank you
You are in zone 6 or 7, and Olympia is hardy to zone 4 so you should be able to keep it outside over winter in your container. (Two hardiness zones buffer for containers) For extra protection, pile some bags of leaves around it and park it close to the house, preferably on the south side.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/clematis-winter-preparation.htm