Clematis is a popular flowering vine with unique growing requirements that, if you ignore them, deliver disappointing results. Here’s what these hardy perennials want, believe it or not: full sun on top and cool shade at the bottom (at the roots). How can you supply this? Situate the plant next to your porch or deck where the stems can be out in the open but the roots are afforded some protection. Or at least mulch the root area well after planting, and position a few shade-casting shrubs or perennials in the vicinity. If you make your clematis vine happy, it’ll do you proud.