I have a hedge of Hydrangea panniculata, on our front yard that steals the show every mid- to late summer with football-size flowers. Since I have clematis fever and just planted my tenth this week, I thought my front (informal) hedge would look good with some early-flowering clematis scrambeling through them...any ideas.

There are three hydrangeas, about 6 foot tall and wide and it is a rather open sunny spot protected from winter (west) wind. There are loose-leafed trees close by, but rather sunny at most parts of the day, especially at noon. I want each bush to have the same clematis for impact.. something not too tall, that will add early season interest and then fade by mid-summer just as the hydrangeas are starting to flower.

thanks