The rest of your leaves look fine..those just might have gotten broken..Jeanne

I have over 20 clematis,and all have this problem from the ground 20 inches up.could you tell me what happened and how to fix before it goes higher?Steve in Va

Agree with Jeanne again. Follow those stems down and see if the vines have a break or kink in them somewhere. I have had several clematis do this this spring as we had high winds that snapped or cracked several of the stems as they were pulled out of their supports. Of course, pruning them out now wouldn't hurt either.

I can see a couple but not 20!Whats the chance of that happening?

Steve..if this is common for you on your clematis..It is most probably what is termed "Brown legs"..this is common for some clematis to do this...usually more towards summertime..as they soil drys out and the leaves lose their moisture from not enough watering...remember to keep your clematis roots moist...also planting something that grows low with uninvasive roots will hide this ..I like planting Vinca's,Daylilies,Blue Daze or Begonias in front of mine...Jeanne