Evergreen clematis Armandii are just coming into bloom where you live. These are a type one clematis and are not pruned unless they need their size reduced, which is done right after flowering. They are not a good clematis for container growing because of their vigor and pruning type. I have one in full bloom now 20 feet up my cheery tree and another on an arbor just coming into bloom. Al

The answer is *yes*, it's over 10 degrees cooler on average than last year. There have been days that it's been 20 degrees colder. DH wants me to post that he did think of the temperature as a possibility, but told himself "I don't know anything about gardening, that can't be it" -- reverse self-denigration! I've heard girls/women do it about, say, math, and talk themselves out of right answers to problems, but this is a first in this direction...

It's growing underground, not above ground. Clematis blooms on new growth only. It takes a few years for clematis to really become established, at least 3 years. Don't worry, it will take off this year again for you. You have to be patient with them for 3 whole summers. I use Miracle Grow on mine once a month in the summer, mabey that will help with new growth. Good Luck!

I doubt very much that a Clematis that big will be much impacted by aphids. They definitely won’t ‘eat’ it (aphids suck sap, they don’t eat the foliage) or kill it. They’re concentrated on the fresh new growth. They’ll move on when those leaves mature a bit and there’s more choice for them in the garden. I wouldn’t do anything other than the water. Leave it to the ladybugs.