Yes, clematis are perennials. If it is still in the pot you can cut it back and plant it 2-3 inches deeper than the level of the pot.

Do you have a photo to post of it in bloom or a plant label so we can give more specific advice?

Clematis on the Web has lots of photos to help with identification.
Also Brushwood Nursery has clematis divided into large bloom and small bloom and you might find your clematis there.

Here is a link that might be useful: Small Flowering Clematis

http://www.gardenvines.com/shop/small-flowered-clematis-4/clematis-bonanza-547.html?zenid=d7e4ea825227018649292ac53a9b2410

this looks the closest to it. Sorry I don't have the tag anymore, I planted it in the ground a few months back. Fire Ants have built a nest around the base of it, will they hurt it?

It has been suggested on this forum that the first two years to cut back hard for both Pruning 2 and Pruning 3 clematis. Some people will cut back pruning 2s every year. They just lose some of the early spring bloom and get blooms later.

Bonanza is a prune 3 which is cut back every year. Since you are not sure of your variety I suggest you take photos of it in bloom this year and post them here. Someone might be able to verify that it is Bonanza or make another suggestion.

Sorry, I have no advice on fire ants. Fortunately we do not have fire ants in MN.

no fire ants?? lucky!! what do you mean by 2 and 3?

Pruning is varied for clematis. There are three basic pruning groups. Some label them A, B, and C. Mostly we talk about 1, 2, and 3 instead of lettering.

There is lots of info about clematis on the Web. Here is a link to get you started.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pruning clematis

gardengal wrote a good explanation about pruning on this thread.

Here is a link that might be useful: ID question--with pruning info