" but some descriptions of them rate them as ok zone 3 - 9. "

Since the zonal system only indicates winter cold tolerance, there is no way to judge suitability to other climatic conditions that might be present in the South, such as high humidity, warm nights (no cool down), heat, excessive rainfall, etc. So yes, getting recs from those that actually grow these vines in the South is really the only way to judge.

I do know that our former highly experienced and valued member Miguel Viso (passed some years go now) lived in NC and he grew and bred a vast array of clems of all types. So I'd bet these are possible. They all grow like weeds in my zone 9 but I do not have Southern climate conditions otherwise :-))

I think Miguel found those plants difficult in his climate but he was further east than I am and likely at a lower elevation. It's hotter in his area. We get some heat too but nights aren't that bad in summer. I am going to try one because it is worth $15 to me just to see how it does.

I'd definitely give 'Joe Zary' a try, and especially so because it produces new blooms all summer.

I'll take a look at it.

" I am going to try one because it is worth $15 to me just to see how it does. "

That would be my philosophy as well. 😊 It's not like it's a break-the-bank investment so try it and see how it works out. I really like the looks of Joe Zary and might just order one myself.

Just be prepared to give it a few seasons to settle in and show its stuff.

Joe Zary is lovely. It's great to hear what does well for other people. Hope it has a chance in my climate. I already bought an alpina Blue Dancer from Donahue's but Hummingbird Farm has some Joe Zary. I might make an additional order with them. Have been tempted for quite awhile to get a Gipsy Queen but think it might be so similar to Jackmanii Superba that I don't need both. ?? Am wondering whether viorna clems or heracleafolias are tricky in the south. I love all the different shapes and great variety of clems. Crispa is native to the south I think but I read somewhere that blooms are far and few between. I might be happy just to go somewhere where I can see them.

'Joe Zary' is resilient, as long as soil conditions are to its liking it tends to flourish in a wide range of climates. The story behind this beauty is it was developed by a buddy of mine Stan Zubrowski of Saskatchewan, Canada. Not foreseeing the possible commercial value of the plant, Stan did not secure a patent and 'Joe Zary' soon made way into the hands of the Dutch and released far and wide that Stan not receive a single cent upon his beautiful creation. Jim Sullivan is another Canadian clematis breeder, I've been told many of his hybrids would knock one's socks off, though at least from what I've been told, he's demonstrated little interest in having any of them released.

'Joe Zary' at the base of a birch tree.

Very pretty picture against the white trunks. That's too bad Stan didn't make any money from his plant but nice it got out there to people. Seems it would not be hard for Jim Sullivan to allow people to sell his plants ...maybe even arrange an informal contract so he'd get some royalties. I don't know what would be involved. Have you tried the clem that has yellow-green foliage...Stolwyk Gold? If so, how does it do ?

I have little clue as to Jim's reluctance to go forward with commercial sales, maybe he's all too humble or something. I've bred some pretty decent, very hardy repeat blooming roses that with my consent have been sent to the likes of Iceland and Finland, let the folks enjoy I say!

'Stolwijk Gold' I do have and rather like, though needs moving from its current very dry difficult setting.

I liked Stolwijk Gold in Alaska z3. I haven't tried it here yet.

About Joe Zary — I’ve seen a lot of variation in color in the photos online — some are quite pale vs eg Hummingbird’s pic which is deep plum. I’ve never seen in person so wondering which are accurate? Asking as am looking for a mid-deep plum clematis that would bloom in spring…

My above photos I consider accurate of color, though this of a plant in the dry shade under birch trees. Blooms in direct sun and those later in the season can be a bit more of a greyish purple, nice none the less, and remember, this clematis repeats well. Mine is soon coming into flower and already has secondary buds developing upon new growth.

My 'Stolwijk Gold' was crammed between the roots of a birch tree and struggled to develop into much of anything, now has been lifted from its prison to have a free and deep root run.

There's many new rather amazing atragene types, though the bulk having been developed in Russia and Eastern block countries and those might not soon be crossing the pond.

Thanks!