The first flowers on a clematis can sometimes have odd markings and/or be distorted, especially if we have had a cool spring. Nothing wrong with the plant. Later blossoms will look more normal.

My Asao looked the same last spring. Later blossoms were flat and beautiful.

This post was edited by mnwsgal on Fri, May 17, 13 at 15:25

Oh, Thanks so much!
Yes, the flowers opened later, and very healthy. You know people always get nervous when they first grow something....just like their first kid, worry too much about this about that...

Last season, Asao was temporarily moved to a 5-gal nursery pot to grow in & over-wintered as directed for new potted Clem.

She was the very first to flush in mid-May several blooms & no more signs of anymore buds now. I read on Dave's Garden that I was to cut her back as soon as blooms are done. She is now growing taller w/ several vines but smaller leaves.

How much should I cut her back if I should?

I have read to cut back a third.