We have been instructed by the Rogerson Clematis Garden in West Linn, OR, that the correct pronunciation of this beautiful perennial is CLEM-uh-tis, as it is derived from the Greek word "klema," which means a climbing or branching vine. But if you come to the nursery and ask for Cle-MAH-tis, we'll know what you're looking for! 'Dr. Ruppel' is a stunning large-flowered variety that can bloom twice in a season if pruned correctly. That is, prune stems back to a healthy bud/node in late winter/early spring before new growth emerges, then again (lightly) after the blooms die in the summer. Vines can grow six to 12 feet long, so pruning also keeps the plant from getting too wild. 

Plant clematis where it will get full sun, but keep the roots cool and covered with low-growing shrubs or perennials. The Rogerson Clematis Garden protects their plants in the test garden by growing strawberries at the base of the plants, and visitors are allowed to sample the dozen or so varieties of berries when ripe (no u-pick though!).