Buyorsell888, your 'Betty Corning' and 'Princess Diana' are just fine! These are hard prune varieties, that come early spring, are to be cut down to within inches of the ground. Clemaits belonging to the viticella, texensis and integrifolia group are to be treated as such.

Terry

You should see signs of growth on the older stems as well. That they are not showing any now when the rest of your clems are starting to push growth already could very well be an indication these stems were compromised last season, whether from drought or drought combined with winter stress (we did have a doozey!!), who knows.

It is often recommended that all newly planted 2's and 3's entering their second season be hard pruned - it encourages basal breaking exactly like you are seeing; new vining stems emerging from the root crown. The more stems emerging from the root crown, the stronger and more vigorous the vine.

If the old stems continue to show no signs of life, go ahead and remove them. Future pruning is at your option - none, lightly, or as is most often recommended, down to three fat bud unions. I'd not recommend pruning to the ground after the second season.