From what I know the only thing that really dooms them is if the nodules? rot. Those are the little knobs where the stems gow out of. Black stems are probably OK since many of my clematis often give up on the old stems.

Violetta, different clematis react differently and come up at different times. Just because the old stems are black doesn't mean the plant is a goner especially if you planted the plant deeper in its current location than it was in its original pot. If the original stems are dead and the plant has to regenerate itself by sending up stems from the crown, it will end up taking longer than if it merely has to sprout from nodes on the previous year's growth. Believe me, I understand the desire to want to dig around in the soil to see what is going on, but doing so could break off new stems starting to emerge from the crown. The best, albeit the hardest policy, is to leave the plant alone and see what happens over the course of the spring and summer. Patience grasshopper! LOL

I agree with Miguel. Patience!

You guys KNOW how hard a time I have with patience!!!!

But I guess what I was asking is if there was any chance in hell this plant was going to make it, and Miguel answered perfectly:

"If the original stems are dead and the plant has to regenerate itself by sending up stems from the crown, it will end up taking longer than if it merely has to sprout from nodes on the previous year's growth.

I think what I was actually asking is if it was possible for a clematis to regenerate itself. Thanks!