Maybe it would prefer a southern exposure.

I think C. stans is an interesting plant, but it doesn't seem like it would contribute much to a border in a general sense. It's one of those plants that needs to be appreciated up close, which isn't a bad thing, but if your going to a certain look in your garden, and C. stans isn't working, then I'd either move it to a different location or get rid of it.

My garden is filling up fast and I'm beginning to run out of room, so I'm not keeping plants that either get sickly every year, don't perform well, or that I don't enjoy for whatever reason. I got rid of some plants this spring that fit into one of those categories, and I'm going to be doing the same with a few clematis in the next few weeks. I like Sweet Autumn, but it takes up too much room and don't have the right spot for it. And there are a couple of other clematis I'm not really thrilled with compared to some of the others. Considering my want list is getting larger every year, I need to edit out the ones that are uninspiring to make room for those that leave me awestruck every day.

Amen janetpetiole.

I bought stans earlier this year & it is getting ready to bloom, so no real opinion yet. I have read that it needs to lean on something when it is blooming due to the weight of the flowers. I'm going to wait see how it goes & might end up moving it. Once it does bloom I'll have a better idea on how it needs to be in the landscape. So far I'm not real impressed with the foliage so if it gets tucked behind something I'd be OK with that. Right now it is leaning 3/4's of the way to the ground & leaning on a few asiatic lilies. It seems kind of light at this point. I've got the flower buds & looks like it should be blooming in about a week or so.

I also purchased heracleifolia China Purple. It started blooming about a month ago. I absolutely love it. The flowers were too small to see from a distance so I moved it closer to the border edge. In addition to the flowers being sparkly purple, the foliage is a lime green with purple stems. The stems are strong enough that it doesn't need to lean on anything.

I also have Mrs. Robert Brydon in which the flowers are pretty small. That 1 is also located towards the back of the border & I can see them just fine. Probably because of the flower color standing out much better.

Let us know what you end up doing. I'd be interested in knowing if you come up with any good ideas for me.

Thank you for your responses, I do appreciate them so much. I'm afraid a southern exposure is out of the question at my house as the trees pretty much keep the front of my house (which faces south) in dappled shade all the time except a couple of early morning hours.

I think this plant would look lonely by itself so I am glad I planted all three together and pruned them back keeping them under 2 feet. It appears this resulted in heavier flower heads with more blooms but no leaning or laying on the ground. Now that the blossoms are opening more and more and I am getting a few seed heads as well it looks alot better. I may end up liking this plant after all. I can see it could have it's place-one just has to select the right place. Not a center stag plant but a nice filler.

Would you post a picture for me?

Yes lalalandwi, I will be happy to post a pic when I get my camera back. It's out on loan right now. :)