I don't think that's wilt. Wilt is when the clematis actually gets wilty, then dies. The leaves and buds will curl over like they are starved for water... then the whole plant dries up. I think that what's happening to yours now is characteristic for a lot of clems.

Flora..that is a very beautiful pic of Clematis 'Henryi'..and no that is not wilt..when a Clematis wilts it will turn brown all over...what you have is called "ugly feet" and as MrsDay said..that is typical of some Clems..all you can do is plant something in front of it to hide that...I have that on my Clematis 'Asao' and 'Proteus'..sowwy, but it's just natural and nothing to worry about..Jeanne

Maybe try planting an astible in front - they cover pretty well - I have one planted in front of my Henri clematis.

Any type of hosta looks great to cover up dirty feet. Hosta is what I use.

Thanks for all your replies. I am very relieved that wilt is not its malady. I will plant something in front to hide its knobby knees.