It should be cut back hard every spring. Try that before moving it.

After 20 years in one spot, the plant should have gotten established enough that it should be well up into the tree and able to get adequate sunlight when it reaches it maximum size each year. I personally would be very hesitant to attempt to move a clematis that has been in the ground that long since the root ball is most likely huge. I agree with cutting it back hard in the spring to make sure that it has been treated as a type III. If that fails, I would next consider attempting to transplant it.

One thing to consider is that clematis, although long lived, don't live for ever. If the plant has not been pruned correctly, watered adequately or fertilized over those 27 years, it might possibly be at the end of its life time. Just something to consider if all else fails.

The spring freeze should not have affected the blooming of your clematis. Even if it got frozen back to the ground, it should have bloomed well since it is a type III which means it should be pruned hard each and every year.

I recently read that a Jackmanii can do well without a pruning for 3 years, but after that it should be cut back. Cut it back, fertilize in spring and see how it does.

That info Janet runs contrary to most popular thought that all clematis should be cut back the first couple of years to help develop root systems. I would be interested to hear where that idea was written.

Thanks for the sauggestions, I will try all. Glad to know it should be pruned in spring and not fall, as my Mom wanted to do it this fall. Alleycallie

I had the 27 year old Jackmanii in mind, which was the subject of the post. Reading it again, I realize I was rather vague.