Relief.

That was my immediate reaction when I discovered that my clematis have returned. I bought them off a sale table at a big-box store and figured their next stop was a dumpster if I didn't take them home. The anemic-looking clematis of unknown varieties would live or die in my garden - at $5 for the pair, not a big loss.

I planted them at opposite ends of a fence (with chicken wire as a secret support system), envisioning vines spilling over the fence in a glorious flush of vivid blooms sometime in the hazy future. Meantime I was happy that both bloomed once: One is the classic "Nelly Moser" and the other is bluish-purple.

On Friday, I spend several hours selling clematis and other vines at Green Scene's pre-sale. Clematis are prized for their beautiful flowers, unusual seed heads and charm, but there is plenty of confusion about planting and pruning clematis. More than a few people said they didn't like clematis because they're difficult to grow.

There's no denying clematis can be petulant. Most require 1/2 day or more of sunshine, although a few varieties, such as "Nelly Moser," are supposed to tolerate partial shade. Make sure the site is rich and well-drained. Water the vine thoroughly so it can absorb water while you're digging. Dig an 18-inch wide and 18-inch deep hole to allow roots to spread. Add compost or wood chips to loosened soil. Clematis prefers neutral pH or slightly acidic soil. Plant crown about 2 inches below soil surface; particularly important if the plant is grafted. Provide a supporting trellis. Mulch, but not heavily to avoid clematis wilt.

To encourage branching, trim plant to a pair of low buds. Clematis should be fertilized with 10-10-10 in spring. Mulch in winter for protection. You also can grow clematis in deep containers (don't forget the trellis). Overwinter in an unheated garage.

Check plant labels for pruning groups:

Group I flowers in the spring on old wood (growth from previous season). You don't have to prune this clematis, or if desired, prune it in summer after blooms are gone.

Group II includes clematis that flowers on short stems from last year's wood, blooming in spring or in early summer, and again in the fall. They can be pruned in February but these types seldom need pruning either.

Group III flowers late in the season (June to autumn) on new wood. Prune out old growth in early spring to 12 inches from the ground. Leave a good pair of buds.

For now, I'm happy my clematis made it through winter. Like a proud parent watching a child take their first uncertain steps, I'll watch them unfurl their tendrils and climb the supports, and eventually, reward me with years of lush blooms.