The varieties of clematis you are referring to are the Integrifolias and Heraclefolias..they don't have petioles (those little things on the vine that grab and climb up) they SPRAWL on the ground or scramble up and into a bush..they are not a bush..they are a vine..If you are wanting a clematis that climbs you don't want either of those types...Hope this helps...
Jeanne

I plant them behind bushes and they sprawl over and through them but I have to tuck them. I also have them sprawing on the ground. They will not climb on their own. You would have to tie them to a trellis and they don't get very tall so it would need to be a small one. Not that that wouldn't be nice. I think I am going to try some at the base of some of my climbers to cover the bare knees.

Although not usually thought of as clingers, some of the heracleifolias do in fact cling or can be considered semiclingers. I have an Alionushka that grows up a japanese maple in my yard and its petioles do grab on to the tree at select locations. Following are some pictures to document this.

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Roguchi is another integrifolia hybrid that can be characterized as a semiclinger.

Thanks Miguel!!..That is great to know ...I am not growing clematis "Alionushka" in my gardens...Jeanne

You are welcome Jeanne although now after reading my post, I meant to say that some of the integrifolias can semicling and not heracleifolias. DUH, where's the edit key!

I don't have 'Alionushka', I don't think any of the integrifolias that I have twine like that. Thanks for posting the close up.

Buyorsell888, Alionushka is doing it again this year and is already attaching itself to the japanese maple it grows up.