No clematis do not need to be deadheaded. I generally do it on young plants just so that any seeds that develop get removed so the plant can concentrate its energy on its own development rather than the seeds. However, there is no need to do so on most clematis once established. This is especially true if you want to grow clematis from seed--where would you get seeds if you deadheaded them all?

Thanks for your reply. Now I can put my ladder away.
LOL !
Lois

I would definitely not deadhead if a ladder was required! Happy trails!!