I have 4 that didn't come back this year. Two were very well-established and two were newer. I think it was because of the dry winter we had, but I'm going to wait another year before I declare them dead. I'm interested that you had two that started growing in midsummer last year. I don't think that's ever happened to me.

Ville de Lyon and Earnest Markham-both well established, were the ones that didn't show until midseason last year. this year its Ville de lyon and Betty Corning, Prince Charles,and Polish Spirit. others in the same area blooming now. It has been extremely dry here for the last 3 years.

Just had a look at Betty Corning, and after a good soak, I can see her starting to grow. The others have had plenty of water.

I'm glad Betty's coming back. I don't see any sign of mine, but that just makes space for new ones, right?

Prince Charles showed up yesterday, that leaves Polish Spirit and Ville de Lyon still; lurking underground.

All of my clematis are up and blooming but no sign of Radar Love, which has been very healthy and floriferous for the past 4-5 years. It was quite a drought last summer, and now we are having such a wet spring and early summer many of the farmers have not even been able to get into the fields.

I am still waiting for two clematis, one a NOID that has shown up very late before and one, 'Cassis' that overwintered in a large pot in my garage. Surprised about Cassis as it has been in the pot for several winters.

Had my first blooms this past week, Asao, Elsa Spath, Snow Queen, Kaiko, Bourbon, and H.F. Young.