Boy can I identify with you; I also live in East Tn and have several Clematis that don't look too well. I'm not giving up on mine until there's nothing left. These things
can die but some seem to come back from the dead. Good luck!

I'd also give it some time. I've had several that took a year off and then showed up again. I don't give up on them until they've been gone at least 1 full year, and especially if you ordered it from Silver Star. I've never ordered from them, but have heard a lot about how big their root systems are, and I think that makes it a lot more likely it'll come back.

I would keep it watered, and I would be very surprised if it not come back. Like roses they need a few years to develop the roots. Don't worry about the top growth.

My dogs trampled one of my viticellas year after year, it still came back and produces incredible amounts of bloom.

Good luck,

Carol

Cut off the wilted growth and keep it watered. It should come back.

Don't give up. I planted Huldine early last summer and it was growing just fine for a young plant but later in the season I noticed that it was wilting. I cut all the dry stuff off. It struggled but came back came back and this summer has several buds.

I know what you are going through Buford. A Solina plant I got from Silver Star Vinery got about three feet tall and then wilted completely. It is beside other clematis that are doing well so it definitely is just an occurrence that happens sometime to clematis. All you can do is cut it back severely and then keep it watered and wait for its return.

Thanks. I dug it up and some of the roots still look viable. I did replant it in a pot where I can control the water/sun a bit better.

I have a new Silver Moon that looks dead. The stem part is about 4" and is totally black. However, the roots are pale tan colored...does this mean it's still alive? I will keep it watered and hope. Should it be kept out of direct sun since it looks bad?