It could mean a virus.......clematis are susceptible to several different viruses.

A plant that was showing any yellowing or mottling symptoms is one I would avoid. While generally not fatal, the viruses can certainly stunt growth and affect flowering.

I have seen it in cold Spring weather and the plant straightens out as it warms up. It still could be a virus doing that too.

If it's a virus is it contagious and how does it spread? I was tempted to get that plant because it had four stems coming out of the soil. I have a couple of other Evison clems I bought at Lowe's last year and while they are doing very well I've seen a tiny bit of mottling on a few of the leaves. I haven't seen that on any other clem here or any new ones purchased from a nursery. The price is great...$12 for a tall pot...might be a gallon. The ones I bought last year at Lowe's had great roots.

It can be transmitted by insect vectors as well as pruning tools. And it could spread to non-clematis host plants, depending on what virus (if any) may be involved.