Since we both live in warmer zones..I find that clematis do better with part day sun...preferably morning sun..I have some that crisp up as you say..they get the afternoon sun...you need to water them more..If you haven't dug up those clematis...You might be surprised to find they didn't die!!..They sometime will do that and then re-emerge stronger and better the next season..water, water, water,..clematis love to have their roots stay moist..you do know you have a native clematis called "ligusticifolia". You might want to grow pruning group 3s/Viticellas as they are easy and usually won't wilt and are vigorous....Check out Clematis on the Web...Jeanne

Here is a link that might be useful: Clematis Ligusticifolia

I live in San Jose and grow over 75 Clematis. They do need regular watering. If you didn't water them enough or deeply enough, that would account for crispy leaves. During the summer, I generally deep water mine about once a week.
Did you remove your Clematis? Like Jeanne said, it may still be alive.
For deep purple, you could try Jackmanni, etoile violet, or Polish spirit.
Perle d'azur is a good blue one.

wanda