Yes, they can be moved quite successfully but best done when dormant or not in active growth. And if a well established vine, they will likely have a much bigger root system than you imagine and you want to get as much of that as is possible.

That's what I was going to suggest. Of course trying to move as much root mass as possible may be desired, but I would imagine, being deciduous, they are suited to pruning and bare rooting or significantly reducing the root mass. I wonder if they shed last year's feeder roots as many roses do each winter?

Not all clematis are deciduous :-) And root pruning or a significant reduction of the root mass will force the vine back into the reestablishment stage, much as if it was a new plant, and it may take some time for it to grow back to size and flower as before.

Providing for a healthy well developed root system is the primary factor in planting clematis and why the instructions for planting deeply in a large, well-amended planting hole and cutting back hard the first few seasons.

Bart, couldn't you leave this one and add a new one in the prominent spot? That would be easier and no risk to your winner.

I recommend following sheila's advice.

Kate

I would divide it as it's a large plant... it's very easy to do for the active gardener... as long as you get a piece of the crown... you can even attempt to do it in situ, without removing the whole plant...

Division will only work if there are multiple stems from the root crown.........that's not always the case.