Mimi, the plant is probably just resting. Newly planted clematis that already have blooms or buds when you purchase them will often open the existing blooms and then after planting bloom no more and just sit there. In actuality the roots are getting established. Give it fertilizer and water all summer and next year you will have more blooms. Clematis take time to get established so don't expect too much from your new clematis.

Mine is doing something similar. I bought the plant about three weeks ago or so. It took off like crazy, wrapping itself around its supports and looking quite happy.
Yesterday I noticed that it stopped putting out tendrils but is now covered in buds. The whole plant is still only about 2 foot tall.
Since the plant looks healthy, I'll just assume that's normal and that it'll get taller in subsequent years. :)

and here is what to expect

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mine last year, 1 yr. in the ground

and this year, 1st bloom...7' tall already

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Wow, that's stunning. Thanks for sharing that pic, Josie. Looks like I chose the right clematis. This is going to look stunning against my white brick.

My Niobe has been way slower to grow than Candy Cane planted at the same time. I did move it once and now it is in a shadier place, but it bloomed well this spring for the first time, twining around Sombreuil, a white climbing rose.

Thanks for all the responses. And especially the picture. I can't wait til next year then- when it will really take off.
Now, I live in zone 8, austin area, does anyone know if they will stay evergreen here or will the leaves die back?

Josie, what a gorgeous clematis! Mine have not done nearly as well, but the soil they're in is very poor. Now, that I know more about clems, I have started working on improving the soil.
Mimi, I am also in zone 8 and mine die back every winter. Brandy

Today's shot with Hagley Hybrid just starting to bloom beside

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I have 3 Niobe planted around in different areas of our property and this is the best one for performance...it does depend on the soil and the exposure...this ones soil was amended a little more than the other spots and it gets just a little more shade than sun during the day

Hagley Hybrid and Niobe together is a great combination.

I have two Niobes, and I too think they are are super-slow growers. They are still probably my faves, however, because of the color. May be eclipsed soon, however, by the more vigorous and equally beautiful Warsaw Nike.

I gave my mom a Niobe to grow through a Zephirin Drouhin rose (I stole the idea from White Flower Farm). Should I get her another Warsawa Nike to also grow there? Would that cover any gaps in Niobe's blooming, or would it be too much? Right now the Niobe is still young & sulking.

Entling,

I stole that idea too, with a little alteration - I grow one with New Dawn. So pretty. I bet we're not the only ones who score a lot of design ideas from WWF.

I don't think I would grow Warsaw Nike and Niobe together with ZD. There is some bloom overlap, and I'm not sure all those colors would look right together. But I don't know. What I did was put one Warsaw Nike with a Ramona on a gothic arch, and one Niobe with a Mrs. Cholmondeley on the other gothic arch. They look great separated a bit. Jewel tones on stained-glass windows, with sky tones to complement.

I have Polish Spirit with my Zeffy rose, and it looks ok, but I wish I had used Warsaw Nike or Niobe instead. The key insight of the WWF thing was to draw out those rosy-winey hues. Warsaw Nike is more plummy than red. Both are jewel-toned and winey. Warsaw Nike has better extended bloom, but Niobe has a great early flush. So does Zeffy. Then they rest. So all things considered, I'd probably choose Niobe alone with ZD. Good luck!

Thanks robiniaquest. My mom's B-day isn't until October, so I've got some time to think about it.

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Here is one of my niobe clems. filix

Nice photo and setting.