Yes..you will want to cut them back prior to digging up...depending on the age of your clematis you'll wanna dig wide and deep as the roots get huge with age...pot 'em up and water well and take with you....don't forget to put some bonemeal in the pots...Jeanne

Thanks Jeanne for the advice. I hate to cut back, but know that's best in the long run. Most of my clematis's are under 3-4 years so maybe the roots aren't too big. Happy gardening!!