Don't assume it is dead until late in the summer at the earliest. If it is planted in an area where it is not receiving as much direct sun as the planting sites of other clematis, then it will be likely to show signs of life later than others planted in more sunny sites.

Okay, thanks for keep my hope alive. I planted it along a 12-foot patio trellis where I also planted a Viticella, Rooguchi, and Alba Luxurians (along with a little rootball of one of my almost dead Bluestone clemmies- can't remember which one now).

The Viticella, Rooguchi, and Alba Luxurians are doing well so far- especially the Viticella. I pinched everything back about a week ago to encourage more root growth, but the Viticella just keeps growing like crazy. I guess that's what scares me is that Betty is in the middle of these other happy clems, and yet she's not even sprouted, but hopefully my patience will pay off.

BTW, I was only planning on planting 2 clems along this trellis, but your suggestions and pictures last year inspired me to plant 5. Looks like at least 3 are going to do well, and I left room in the middle of the trellis for another hole if needed :)

It is strange how certain clematis do well in one garden and not in another. My viticella has not done diddly and it was planted last spring. This spring it is up but not really impressing me with its growth. Your sounds like it is truly happy and I would love to see pictures. Alba luxurians is a vigorous grower in my garden. Roguchi is intermediate in growth and vigor.

Believe me, there is always a means to squeeze another trellis and/or clematis in!