Castro_gardener -

I am not in your zone, however, I do know that clematis have been successfully grown in your area. JeanneTx used to post here regularly and I have not seen her on this board in quite sometime.

Anyway, not sure how long ago you planted your clems. If you planted them recently, they are not going to show much of anything until their roots are established. When you start to see a bit of new growth, you will know the roots have settled in.

One of the keys is that clems require moist soil. Stick your finger into the ground around where you have planted your clems and if they feel dry down an inch or so, they will need to be watered. They also like to have their feet covered to keep the roots cool.

Not sure how to tell you how to deal with the sun in your area. I know the sun in my area is not as strong as the sun in your area. Perhaps somebody in your zone will post regarding the sun.

Remember that clems sleep the first year, creep the second year and leap the third year. Clems are not an instant gratification plant.