It just looks a little stressed from the heat and perhaps not quite enough water :-) Browning and drying of the lower foliage by midsummer is not at all uncommon with clematis, especially those that haven't much shading their root systems.

Vancouver Danielle is a pruning type 2 that should offer a late summer/early fall rebloom. Guidelines for pruning clematis are just that - guidelines only. Clematis don't require pruning but it will help with establishment on young ones and keeps established ones tidy and within bounds. But if you are unfamiliar with the plants, the guidelines are helpful.

First, newly planted clematis should be hard pruned their first few years in the ground regardless of pruning type. Hard pruning means taking the vine back to the second or third bud grouping/leaf axil. This helps to focus energy into developing a good, strong root system better able to withstand diseases and weather issues as well as encouraging additional stem growth from the root crown. For type 2's after establishment, light pruning removing the worst of the old top growth is suggested....about 18-24". After the initial bloom cycle, lightly cutting back the previously flowered portions should encourage a later bloom flush. Conversely, you can treat them like a group 3 and hard prune each spring. This will only delay the initial bloom cycle a bit but my also result in a lack of the secondary bloom period. But that's not a guaranteed occurrence anyway :-)

I might consider planting a taller something or other in front of the clematis to shade the base somewhat - at the very least it will disguise the dryness of the lower growth. And make sure you water long and deeply when you do........more than a shaded root zone, clematis require a consistently moist root run so frequent deep waterings - especially in very hot weather - is called for.

Thank you for your answer, garden gal. It has gotten worse. I never pruned it hard to the ground since I planted it last summer. I suppose I should do it now. There is a little new growth at the ends, but otherwise, it is brown. If it were yours, what would you do? Do they need to be fertilized?

I would cut it back now :-) Hard pruning of a yet unestablished clematis is a good thing, regardless of when it happens. And regardless of the pruning type, ALL clems benefit from being cut back hard their first couple of seasons in the ground. It encourages them to produce a big, healthy root system and the better the root system, the more tolerant the vine will be to heat and dryness.

Thank you, garden gal. It's on my agenda for tomorrow.

Oops, didn't see this thread and replied to the other. FWIW, I 100% agree with gardengal.