My clematis plants have sprouted up already, and we have cold weather coming...?

I live in New Jersey, should I cover the new sprouts with mulch until the cold weather goes?

My clematis plants have sprouted up already, and we have cold weather coming...?
I'm in Ohio, and have a clematis. I've never mulched, nor do I plan to. They're perennials, and able to cope with the change of weather.
Reply:cover with mulch or hay.
Reply:Yes, protect your clematis from the cold, but use something easily removed so the plant can benefit from warm sunny days.
Reply:a recycled styrofoam rose cone/cover will work over the mulch if it is too exposed. remeber to set a rock or something fairly heavy on top so it won't blow away!