Shelly, I think you need to repost the pic. The plant looks like a carrot and it appears to be well cared for. --Bob

Clematis can take several years to reach maturity and that length of time depends on the age of the plant when it is planted. A bare root infant can take 3-4 years to reach maturity. If you have purchased an "infant" in a small pot or plastic bag, it is best to nurse your young plant in a one gallon pot for the first summer and plant it in a permanent location in the autumn. You can also sink the entire pot into the ground in the autumn and plant it in a permanent location in the spring after the ground thaws. This helps to protect the young roots from damage. If you cannot sink the pot in the ground, a sheltered spot outside, or inside an unheated greenhouse will work as well. Above ground growth the first year is usually pathetic while most of the growth is taking place under ground. A good root system is critical for a vigorous vine. The second year will result in a larger vine, and the third year will be larger yet. Be sure to fertilize and water your clematis as they require lots of each. This will create a strong root system and a good foundation for years of beautiful blooms. Tomato fertilizer, rose food, 5-10-10, or even an Osmocote type fertilizer are good choices. Slow release fertilizers are preferred. For more information on fertilizers, see the FAQ entitled "How to feed a clematis - choosing fertilizers." It is best to buy a well rooted plant from a garden center, mail order supplier who sells good size potted plants, or nursery if you want a faster growing plant. Clematis specialists take care in making sure that the cultivar is true to the label. Be sure to check the drain holes and make sure the roots are visible. Plant the clematis about three inches lower in the hole than the pot level. For more on how to plant your clematis, see the FAQ concerning "How to plant a clematis."

in zone 5, the weather has been overcast the past week and I'm pretty sure the soil was so moist it was rotting my plant. I moved to a new location yesterday, and the soil when I was digging it up smelled rotten. new location has much drier soil and is not near a sprinkler head where it keeps the soil so soggy. I hope she recovers!!!

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.