I planted a Niobe clematis last fall and it took off beautifully. This spring I had several lovely flowers - then we had a strange heat wave in April and it drooped terribly ..then recovered...produced more flowers. Then we had another heat wave in May - 95 degrees plus (very dry heat) - and it appears to have totally tanked. I cut off the dead branches so it is now to the ground (was that a mistake?).

It is in a spot that get some direct sun during the hottest part of the day (1-2 hours), and near a fence (radiated heat), and on a wire trellis (more heat). Otherwise, it is in dappled sun/shade. Perhaps not the best spot ..oops!

I'd like to plant another flowering vine in that spot. Is there another, more appropriate clematis, for that spot or should I switch to something else entirely?

Will the clematis return (if only in spring, when temperatures are milder)? I could plant a white Jasmine near it which would do well in summer - and the ruby Niobe flowers would compliment the small white Jasmine flowers.

Any suggestions?

Thank you,

Cindy