Main part of my clematis "died", but rest of the plant is still green and growing?

I have a 'Sweet Autum' Clematis that is roughly 3 years old. The main part of the plant has "died" but everything coming off the main stalks are still green and growing. What's wrong with it and what can I do to solve the problem?

Main part of my clematis "died", but rest of the plant is still green and growing?
The plant is not dead. At most it has been hurt and trying to regrow. I have a clematis that sounds like is doing the same thing. The winter killed all of last years growth but new vines are coming from the base and is a lot stronger and healthier than last year. Just give it time and leave it alone, unless it is dry and needs water, and it will be just fine.
Reply:I would just leave it alone for now, its a pretty hardy plant so I,m sure in time it will rejuvanate itself, might take till next season tho, but wait and see before doing anything harsh.
Reply:I have a "Sweet Autumn" clematis and this is typical and expected for this clematis. By the time mine is growing well, I am able to just break off all of last year's growth. I just go around the plant and gently break off everything that comes off easy.


Mine is now about 8' tall and doing well. Do you have alot of new growth?


Just so you know, I live in central NY.
Reply:Sound like mine which got damaged by a week of frost last winter. Hubby hard pruned it back which I thought would kill it, but it is coming back like crazy. Although I let him think it was the pruning that saved it, I also gave it a little boost with some fertilizer, too.
Reply:they like shady feet plant a shorter plant in front of it
Reply:I have a group III clematis too (flowers come from this year's growth) and it is not uncommon for it to have whole vines die off when it's water stressed. If I keep it watered and the base shaded, I have been able to get June and September flowering up here in Michigan. If I let it go in July, it will look it it has died and then come back next spring.