I have a clematis from home depot .3yr old and got 1 bloom this year .I am not sure of the type,it was a white bloom.Looks alot like Madame Le Coultre I don't fertilize and it has been very hot here .it gets full morn n afternoon sun.Just this year I planted a shrub in front to protect the roots.So hopefully next year the roots will ahve more coverage I dont believe I'm over watering it.

Couple questions

1Whats causing the top of the plants leaves to turn reddish brown?The bottom is completly fine.Is it just to much sun? Should I move it and when? Is there a type better suited for sunnier areas?

2If I'm unsure of the type of clematis is there any "safe or neutral" way of pruning?

3I currently ahve it attached to a 4ft trellis.Should it be taller? Will it ruin the roots or stems switching to a taller one?

4Some of the leaves look claw shaped on the clematis(Pic2 bottom left) is this normal? (The others in the background are morning glories and moonflowers)

5 Any other tips or comments .? :)

Thanks for any help!