Sean, Glad to know it isn't just me. I was going to rip her out but just planted another one next to her instead.
If you want better performing doubles, Multi-blue and Josephine are better though the shape of the blooms is a little different.
Steve, you need to try the viticella group of Clematis. Anyone frustrated with Clems needs to try viticellas.
They are more vigorous and good for people in colder climates because they need to be hard pruned every year to bloom well and they just freeze to the ground and you don't have to worry about it. They also do well in hotter dry climates. Here in our wet climate, they do get mildew....
They grow 8-12 feet or more in a single season. They are not prone to Clematis Wilt and they get started faster than the type II's. The type II's have bigger flowers and are more common at nurseries because of it but they are fussier.
Some to look for are: Polish Spirit, Betty Corning, Prince Charles, Alba Luxurians, Huldine, Earnest Markham, Etoile Violette, Kermesina, Madame Julia Correvan, Minuet, Venosa Violacea, Ville de Lyon, Purpurea plena elegans, Abundance
These are too big for your average mailbox or light pole. I have some in their second year that are bigger than my ten year old type II's.
