Well obviously they perform differently in different climates and soils because I've never had that kind of trouble here! I'm in suburban Chicago. I had 2 SA that were well established, probably 8 years or so, one climbing a huge oak and one climbing a huge White Pine. Summer before last the one on the Pine didn't come back - no idea why. The 3 by my deck are newer, only 2 years old but seems to be MIA. I like them - sorry you have a bad experience with them.

I think it will be plenty hardy enough, Deb, but there may be a little trouble with the high root temps you're likely to encounter in containers. This clematis, as you prolly know, loves full sun, but prefers its roots to be in the shade because of it's intolerance of high soil temps. All you can do, is do what you can to keep its roots cool & hope for the best. ;o)

Good luck.

Al

Deb, Isn't this place the greatest???? Glad you found your way over here. It's like one big happy - always friendly - garden party - When the egos get in the way & and the kids don't play nice on the Dec side, this is a safe haven :). From the looks of your plantings you are going to love it here!
Your deck trellis set up is very cool - how do those trellis stand up to the wind?
After you asked your question on the Dec side, I looked at some clematis yesterday and a trellis for something similar on our deck - I am glad I found your picture here. Have fun over here!

Thanks mago (is that an appropriate nickname for you?!) for the nudge - I do like it here.

The trellises are solid, wind, rain, whatever. My DH made them and he's an engineer so trust me, they aren't going anywhere! They're built for the ages. Here's a shot that might show the structure and fastening a bit better - arcs are welded to the plates, plates are screwed to the posts.

{{gwi:18350}}

Well that explains why they fit your deck so perfectly!!! I had noticed the plates screwed to the posts & thought what a great idea! His - or your - design is Perfect - he did a great job making them.
mago - is fine - we live on a cove on the Magothy River off the Chesapeake Bay. I get all sorts of funny names. Occasionally someone local figures it out.

When you have time, check out the pics of the beautiful containers people here post. Lots of inspiration and ideas. I really need to learn how to post pics

I saw you found Al - his mix is phenomenal. I found everything at a local farm supply - I live in the suburbs (like it looks you do too) . I make 1 or 2 Big Batches at a time on a tarp, and store in a few trashcans. It is so easy & fast to pot your plants in this mix. I cut a blue microfiber cloth for the wick & this year screen over the holes w/ a slit cut for the wick. It is worth tracking down the ingredients if you plant alot. I hope you have success.

Wowza! Those trellises are wonderful.