I would plant them in a pot and give them a little time to grow before I would put them in the ground. I have bought a clematis or two from Lowe's and they are tiny with small root systems. They did well for me but I potted them up and let their roots grow during the spring and summer and then planted them in the ground in the fall. Some I kept in pots for a year. If the vine is growing down into the soil, pull the vine above the soil when planting. It's very exciting to have a new home and a blank slate for a garden. Congratulations and have fun!

Carol

thank you carol.i will try that with two of them and put the other two in the ground,see what happens.how much of the vine should i leave above ground?also i found a vine growing from the previous owner its a small single vine that had one small white flower on it.the neighbor said it was a nice clematis at one time ,now it looks in bad shape.what can i do to save it? thanks in advance.

Cut it back hard and fertilize it.

Clematis should be planted at least 4 inches below soil level. This gives them a stronger root system and causes more stems to develop on the plant. You need to be very patient, it might take several years to really get a good plant going but given time the rewards will be great. As for the one in the yard, cut is to about 6 inches (just above a node) and protect it and fert. it. They come back easily also. Don't put mulch right up against the plant. Leave a little space so the stems don't get disease.