Maryanne, it would help if you could give us the names of your clematis. If they are type IIs, it could be they suffered from wilt and will most probably return. They could also be type IIs and suffered die back and brown out from hot weather. Happens in my garden quite frequently with the type IIs.

If they are in the ground, I would leave them for now. If they are potted up and appear to be dead, I would leave them in the pots so it will be easier to tell when you have watered enough. If they are in the pots and growing, I would probably plant them now depending on the size of pots they are in and how much the roots have filled the pots.

Let us know the names of your clematis and of the ones potted up, what size pots they are in.

As far as wintering them over, in your zone they are fine in the ground. Most are hardy to zone 4. Having the names will help as they aren't all that hardy.

thanks for the responses. these are the ones i can definitely identify that i have concern about. there are two others whose names i should know but they escape me presently.

the president
multi blue
asia
dawn
nelly moser
special occasion
firecracker (in a pot)
proteus

i'm so wanting to cover the ugly fence from next door (on my side), the arbor i built new this year and also going up the lattice on the side of the garage behind my dedication bed. i'd hate to think i'm making these investments and killing them before they stand a chance.

thanks for any information you can provide me.

maryanne

Type II's, wilt is common but not deadly.

Cut off anything that looks dead. Keep them well watered. A mulch of compost would be good.

Next spring, at the time when roses are pruned in your area, cut them all down to 12" or so and fertilize them with something long acting and organic like Rose Tone or manure and compost.

Ditto to what BorS said. They are all type IIs and very susceptible to wilt, especially when young and especially if they put out too much top growth compared to root growth.