I guess I should add that the 2 Betty Corning reached 30". Gypsey 24". The other 2 were barely 12".

Thanks

Harry

Harry..Clematis are the epitome' of they "Sleep" the first year...then "Creep" the second year and "Leap" the 3rd...so you must be patient..they spend the first year focusing on getting their roots established..I "Hard prune" all my clematis types except pruning group1s as pruning group 3s on year two to help them get well established...and from then on..I treat them as the pruning type they are....
Your "Betty Corning" is of the Viticella group...they are more vigorous than the pruning group 2s...that is quite common...
You really should use either Rose Fertilizer or Tomato Fertilizer along with your organics...every Spring I topdress with composted cowmanure and feed Rose Fertilizer...never fertilize once they start to set buds or you will only rush the bloom period..once your clematis have finished blooming..then fertilize again..
My Clematis "Pillu" which is of the Pruning group 2 (which take longer to get established..some moreso than others) had only 3 blooms in year two...remember to keep them moist..especially during the hot summertime...I think you will be more pleased as each year comes and goes for they only get better with age....Jeanne

HI Harry. I was going to say what Jeanne said, takes 3 yrs (just like most roses) to show their stuff. I've gotten lucky and had 3 of my clematis put on lots of growth in 2 yrs. I fertilize them just like my roses, with rosetone or mills or whatever I'm using on the roses.

good luck with them, they are much easier than the roses
Maureen

I will try to be patient.

Good Boy..I know it isn't easy..especially if you are as impatient as I....My Motto is "I just wanted everything yesterday!".....Jeanne