I think there's a good chance it will, just keep it watered the normal amount and watch it. My very first one, a large piece broke off, but not as bad as yours.

That's ok. I was also weeding last year and completely cut off the top of my newly planted clem Crystal Fountain. There was only about 6 inches left above ground. Do you know, it came back with a vengence not only later on in the season last year, but this year too! It is multistemmed now and actually is flowering and doing even better! I think clems love to be chopped sometimes :)

Yes, it will most likely be just fine.

Pruning helps Clematis, it doesn't hurt them.

Mine didn't die either when I purposely chopped it down to the soil line. They seem to get into that sort of brutality, LOL!

I think the length of re-emergence is going to be based off how big the roots were when you planted it. If they were small it may take a bit. Just don't forget it's there though & maintain it like you would a new planting even though you can't see the green.

Thank you all so much for your encouraging words! I feel much better and will just keep my fingers crossed that it comes back!
Linda