Shelley, here is website that may help you.

Any of the C. alpina, C. tangutica Golden Clematis and any of the C. viticella hybrids are very hardy in my garden.

Sharon

Here is a link that might be useful: Manitoba Gardener

Shelley, I would also recommend Tangutica with the warning that there will be those years when it wonÂt make it. We have had no problems with it in a very exposed location until this spring when only half of it came back and that very late and very slow. I just planted a C. viticella hybrid ÂBetty Corning in the place where the Tangutica was. It was on sale at Rona and I couldnÂt pass it by.
Leo

That's a great article Sharon, thanks for posting it. I've got quite a few of the vitecellas that are coming up fine this spring. Duchess of Albany, which is a taxensis, I think is a goner. It came up for a couple of springs, but nothing now. I think Blue Boy is an integrifolia, and it's coming big guns. These are all out in the open too. But there's still no signs of life from vitecella Negritjanka yet.....hopefully it'll come up soon. I've been on the look out for Joe Zary, which is said to be purple in the article, but when Hugh Skinner showed a picture of it at the last Hort day, it was a very showy red, that's why I was interested in it. But so far, no one seems to be carrying it this year.:(

I just planted a Betting Corning by the foundation of my house. I have been looking for this one for a couple of years. If I like it I just might buy some more.

And I had a Joe Zary in my hands a few weeks back. But put it back. I looked again yesterday and it was gone. Hmm looks like I'm heading in the right direction. It was blooming when I saw this clematis. It was purple.

One thing that is important for me is the length of flowering time. And that is why Betty and Joe both have interested me.

Another one I bought this spring is Texensis- Princess Dianna. I'll most probably put it by the foundation too. I don't want to lose it.

Shelley

Here is a link that might be useful: Joe Zary Clematis

The following link is really an excellent resource I've used for the last couple years.

- Andrew

Here is a link that might be useful: Clematis A-Z

Shelley, I'm very impressed with Betty Corning's growth so far. I didn't get it until late last summer(on clearance), so of course it barely had enough time to settle in. But this year already, it's grown to about 3' tall. It's on the same fence as Willy is, so I've got high hopes for it. Hmmm, that link to Joe Zary, doesn't look a thing like what the picture Hugh showed. I wonder if he didn't get the pictures mixed up. Oh well, I picked up a couple more clematis at Home Depot yesterday, Durandi and viticella Emilia Plater. Hopefully they'll like it in my yard.;^)

I have several durandii here north of Saskatoon and they are in the 3 rd year and coming very well. Mine get to about 3 to 4 ft. and need a little help to stand because of wind. A tomato cage works good! I did not plant them to grow into a shrub which is kind of an ideal way.
I am posting my Clematis blog for interest sake.
Clayton

Here is a link that might be useful: Clematis in the cold