Clems can certainly take a few freezes. They aren't tropical vines. I'll let those who live in hotter climates advise you as to varieties.

Meg...Hey Jeanne from the Houston Area..Willis to be exact..yes pruning group 3's are the way to go for newbies and our climate..Planting in Fall is best since we have wet winters for the roots grow like mad over winter..being in a pot..you'll still need to "handwater"? I have mine on drip systems off my sprinkler system so I don't have to water by hand...I've bought about 30 from Jerome and planted the bulk of them last fall..I think it was around the end of October and they came back this spring with a vengence..they love it...Jeanne

Thank you for your responses.I think I will plant it in my front flower bed and get them to grow over a trellis/pillar .Jeanne, do you have any recommendations for any particular clematis? I would prefer something blue u /purple since those colors are hard to find in other flowers.
Thank you , again.
Meg

Type III lavender/blueish Prince Charles, Perle D'Azure, Betty Corning (huge grower, fragrant)

Purple: Etoile Violette, Polish Spirit, Jackmanii, Jackmanii Superba,

There are many more

Those are great one's as well as Solina,Voluceau,Tye-dye for more bluish,Perrin's Pride

Thank you for your suggestions, they were certainly very helpful!
Meg

Great resource for photos and sizes of Clematis, pruning groups too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Clematis on the Web