Thanks, Betsy, but I am not a clematis guru. I've just killed enough to know what it takes to get them off to a good start and keep them going. I'd say planting deeply would be the most important aspect but my first 18 were planted at ground level and they all survived.
Belle of Woking is nice and yet so pale that it might take more than one or two to make a splash. I do like it with Multi Blue.
Sorry about the Omoshiro! I'd hate to lose any of mine.
As long as those babies are doing well, I wouldn't challenge anything you're doing because it's clear you must be doing everything right.
Speaking of Sam's and some big box stores - long ago I bought a package of five white clematises (only because they were there, not that I wanted five - no less five white ones, but you know how it is when we spot what we think is a bargain). Four were Duchess of Edinburgh and one was montana grandiflora. They were not labeled so it was just good luck that I happened to plant the montana where it could fill a fence in a short time.
Experience is a great teacher!
