One thing to consider - clematis usually need at least 6 hours of sun a day. Also, is the planting area located right next to roots of big trees which can soak the moisture away from the clematis?

Katie

Thank you. One side of the fence gets plenty of sun and water. What types of clematis will cover large areas in 5b zone?

The other 2 sides are pretty much shaded. I guess that all clematis needs at least 6 hrs. of sun a day then.

Any suggestions for the other two sides of the fence as far as vines that grow in the shade and will cover a wood fence?

Sweet Autumn Clematis will cover large amounts of your fence. I know, many others will yell at me saying that because it can be invasive down south especially, but I've heard many others that live up northern that it's not invasive. I just planted one this year to grow along a 40 ft hedgeline. They supposedly smell very fragrant too! They are a type 3 which means you can always prune down hard in spring too. Joy Creek has many, many other clems to chose from too :)
For a clematis, a great place or two is Joy Creek (see the link) or Silver Star Vinery at www.silverstarvinery.com

Here is a link that might be useful: Sweet Autumn Clematis at Joy Creek

You may already know this, but you'll need something fastened to the fence for the clematis to cling to as shown in the photos in the thread linked below.

While probably not much is as vigorous as sweet autumn, my Ville de Lyon is pretty vigorous and blooms well in morning only sun. Another one that was willing to extend pretty well in part shade (at least until the voles ate it last winter) was Venosa Violcea, a viticella.

Here is a link that might be useful: Clematis on the fence

Thanks for all of the advice. I may try both the Sweet Autumn and Ville de Lyon, because I have a lot of fence to cover.

Maybe I'm confusing Sweet Autumn clematis with 'armandi'. Is Armandi the clem that is highly fragrant and a type I? All my gardening books are packed away. I can't wait to get them out of storage.
Julie

Kenstar, I thought Sweet Autumn Clematis is a Type I, meaning it does not need regular pruning.
Julie

According to helpmefind.com it's a group 3 clematis which means hard pruning in early spring.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sweet Autumn clematis terniflora

C. armandii is Type 1 and fragrant but it isn't very hardy. Not going to make it in Zone 5b.

All Clematis take several years to get going and all benefit from hard pruning the first couple of years.