Hi, I am a new member,first post, just a browser in the past. My beautiful, 3 year old "Polish Spirit" clematis was eaten to the ground over the winter. Last year, it covered across three trellises, it was spectacular! I only prune down to 4 feet in the fall, and by this time of the year, I usually have buds appearing. When I went out to check it just a few weeks ago, I saw, to my dismay, that the entire plant was virtually shredded to the ground. I mean, it looked like clematis mulch! Does anyone know if it will come back after such severe 'pruning'? I don't know if it was a rabbit or mice, but, boy, they did a number on it! I can see the nub of a crown below the 'mulch', but no growth so far. I will be heartbroken if doesn't come back. Any ideas?