Thank you gardengal, I will keep hoping for some magic.

My jackmanjiis, in zone 5, are just now shooting new green shoots. I wouldn't even describe it as leafed out yet and no where near blooming. And yes, if I didn't love them so much, I might even call them "invasive". They swallow anything in their path.

An employee at my locally-owned nursery, where most of the employees are very knowledgeable and experienced gardeners, once told me she had a clem that died and then re-appeared in its same spot a few years later.

May 7th is borderline early here for clematis vines and leaves most years here. This year’s cold weather delayed leaf out still more, and many of my viticellas are only now starting to look like they are in full leaf. Has yours emerged?

In my zone 2 garden I’m thrilled to say my jackmanii has survived the horrible winter and has just emerged.