I have a friend in Phoenix that isn't suppose to be able to grow them either..but he does..the trick to growing them ih hotter zones is to make sure and grow them in morning sun and afternoon shade..mostly remember they need to be in an area where they can stay moist..Jeanne

Silver Star Vinery sends the biggest clematis that I have received. I've also received good sized and well rooted clematis from Chalk Hill and Brushwood Nursery. One of the ladies who posts on the Antique Rose Forum grows clematis beautifully in south Florida, zone 10 so they should do well for you too. You will find more information and more clematis listed at the web site clematisontheweb.com than you will at HMF.

Carol

Here is a link that might be useful: Silver Star Vinery

Not sure what zone Tampa fall into, but Edith Malek the President of the American Clematis Society grows them quite successfully in southern California. I would stick with the type III clematis and especially the viticellas since they tend to hold up better in the hot sun than other types. As Jeanne suggested, plant them where they get morning sun and afternoon shade, keep them well watered, and mulch them very well.

Avant Garde does very well for me in zone 7a planted in full blazing sun all day so that will be a good one to try. Give us ideas on the others you are thinking about.

I agree with the others that Silver Star Vinery sends the biggest plants available. Dan at Brushwood also sends quart sized pots that do well. Although I have never ordered from them, Klehms Song Sparrow Nursery also is supposed to send clematis with very large rootballs. Just remember that the more you order at any one time, the cheaper the overall shipping per plant cost will be.