Lorna
This is my Ivy experience, for what its worth.
When we first moved here 15 years ago, I planted a wee ivy plant against the shed to green it up a bit. Eventually the ivy was so big that every year it would cover the whole shed.
Then I decided that what we really needed was a total garden makeover and the old shed and ivy had to go. Clipped everything down to the main stump - had to get the heavy squad out as the main branch was about 8" :o I tried to dig it out but the roots..........well decided life was too short and incorporated it into the bed.
That was 3 years ago and I do have a clematis close to it. In year 1, it didn't understand that it was no longer welcome and made strenuous efforts to grow and I made equally strenuous efforts to make sure it didn't by cutting back all the new growth. Same last year but less growth, and so far this year nothing is sprouting.
Are you planting the clematis in the same hole? Might be an idea to move out a bit from the wall but just cut out any roots with the secateurs, fill the hole with compost and the clematis should be happy enough.
Good luck :D
