I have both (next to each other) and neither fades for me. They aren't in hot afternoon sun though.

It doesn't fade, but maybe if it gets more sun the wider the white striping? Does that sound right to anyone else? I don't pay much attention to it because it was planted underneath a viburnum, which was sort of a mistake because it blends in too much.

MY "Vv" gets tons of sun and loves every minute of it without any fading whatsoever!!..Jeanne

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thanks for your replies, I appreciate your input :)
unfortunately, my local nursery didn't have vv in stock, but they ordered it for me, should be there for pick-up late next week. I didn't want to leave empty-handed, so I came home with ville de lyon and prince charles (I really don't like the name). Now, where to put them...?

Venosa Violacea looks great here from bud to seed head.

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Ville de Lyon and Prince Charles are two of my favorite clematis. Both of them are good growers.

Katie