I have a clematis that is planted at my front lamp post. I believe it is Sunset. It was planted by the former owners and I have lived her 10 years.

Every year it comes up and looks fine and get buds but before blooming the leaves start to brown and the vines get very limp. I still get some blooms but the rest of the plant looks really bad. By the time I am done cutting away all the bad parts there is not much left so I just cut it all down.

Does this sound like wilt? I read the FAQ and it said that wilt will make the vines brittle - these are not brittle just limp and brown.