I have two well established clematis's (jackamann) (6 years or more) and I've been taking good care of them each fall so they wouldn't freeze for the winter. I'm worried because they should be up by now, but aren't. It has been very cool so maybe that has something to do with it. Do clematis have a life span?

A healthy Clematis should live for 20-30 years (at least). They won't begin their Spring growth until the soil warms up enough for their liking. IF they have survived your climate for six years already, they are probably fine. Its been a strange year for weather everywhere. Don't give up... they'll show up soon!

Thanks for the encouragement. I go out everyday and check for buds and new growth. Every year I cut it down, and leave the odd stem. So far nothing, no buds on the stems or new growth coming from the ground, so here I am,....... waiting. We had a couple of days in April where we had some warmer temps, but ever since, it's been cold with minus temps at night and very low temps in the daytime. The north wind doesn't help either. Hmmm....middle of May...it seems like it's time for them to pop up their heads.

Hi Daisy,I am from cold ontario too,I checked my clematis on saturday,jackmanni ,nelly moser,tangutica and alpina constance are all coming but my favorite 5 year old paniculata(sweet autumn)didn't survive.luckily i remembert were i had bought it and went and got a new one.it is still in the house which is getting very crowded by now.the forecast is cool temps.for the rest of the week. hope you have more luck.uki