Mine is new also, so I don't have any experience to share. Here is the page from Clematis on the Web for this clematis. It is an integrifolia, which means that it won't climb on its own by twining as many clematis will do. It can either lean against neighbors, crawl across the ground, or can grow up inside an obelisk. I haven't had great experiences with trying to fasten a clematis like this to a flat trellis as it is easy to damage stems.

Thank you, NHBabs! Have you found that using an obelisk works without fastening? It is currently fastened to a bamboo-type structure in the pot. Additionally, do you know if there is usually an issue with bugs chewing these types of clematis when they just grow on the ground?

I find it I just tuck growing ends into the obelisk it works fine. I have issues with voles chewing, so I don't grow them on the ground. Slugs might be an issue, but I don't have enough of those to worry about.

I just purchased this one too. The flowers are so pretty. I read that it will supposedly grow up to 4 feet tall - perfect for my mailbox. Mine is loaded with blooms. Very pretty.