Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Clematis

Clematis is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of providing a robust support structure before planting in the early stages and paid for it. support structure failing under the weight of mature growth also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a house wall with appropriate fixings for support which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. dramatic seasonal transformations from bare stems to full cover is visible but muted. autumn foliage colour on deciduous species before leaf fall gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.