Question
why is the bottom of my plants turning brown, when the rest of the plant is doing fine, and still blooming, also how long will a clamtais bloom. thanks

Answer
Browning of lower leaves is a problem that turns up for some Clematis and never for others.  As long as the leaves are not also wilting (which points to another problem), it is considered more a temporary cosmetic flaw than a serious threat.  Remember, most authorities recommend you keep Clematis roots and lower stems cool -- and this is probably the reason.  If nothing else, shading that part of the plant will conceal the browning leaves.

Clematis-lover Ken Woolfenden, who runs the International Clematis Society website, describes your Brown-leaves problem thusly:

'This often happens with Clematis in the heat of the Summer after blooming.  It is unsightly, but is usually not an indication that the plant is dying.  Make sure the plant has plenty of water and new sprouts should appear when the weather gets cooler.'  Here's the URL:

www.clematisinternational.com/growing.html#pg3

Clematis bloom length depends on the hybrid you have.  Some bloom in the Spring; some are out there all Summer.  Pruning must be done at the right time or you'll remove future bloom material.  Remember that!

L.I.G.