Marigene, the answer to your question depends on several factors. Could you elaborate on what size pot your clematis is currently planted in (height of pot as well as width of pot at top)? Also, where is this pot situated currently? Does it sit out in the open or up next to the house? Is is situated facing north, south, east, west? Could the pot be easily moved to a shelterd location for the colder months? How cold are your winters typically? Does it get cold and stay bitterly cold or do your winters vacillate wildly as far as the temperatures go?

It is in a fairly wide pot but very deep (12"x9" or there about), about 3 1/2 to 4 feet tall, full of buds (30+) right now. I have it on the porch where it is facing east. The little tag that came with it said that it would do good on the porch, didn't need as much sun as other clematis. I am thinking maybe it should be put in the ground for the winter as it would freeze and thaw too much in the pot even being on the porch. It gets cold here, snows 4-5x but usually doesn't last more than a few days at a time.

Marigene, more than likely the plant would survive just fine outside in its pot. Clematis are quite a bit more stalwart than most people give them credit for. You could partially bury the pot for further insulation or even pile up leaves and other fall trimmings around it. If you have an unheated garage and you can move the pot into it after the weather turns cold and the cold garage temps. would keep it dormant. I overwinter brugs, Vigna caracalla, persian shield, and other tropicals in the garage quite successfully.

Thanks very much for the information. I just don't want to lose it due to my not doing what should be done.