Clematis: Is this clematis wilt? , 0 by cedar18

cedar18 wrote:
I looked through posts and went to the site suggested. http://www.mobot.org/GARDENINGHELP/PLANTFINDER/IPM.asp?code=...

My C. x henryii is 3 years old and has bloomed heavily this year; has a couple of blooms even now.

Just a few days ago I noticed the top of the vine is brown and dead looking. Some of the lower leaves are affected too (it is climbing through a Clethra before it heads up the fence.)

If that is the problem, did I read it correctly that I should prune it "Below" the ground? Take down the entire vine?

I did not do any pruning of the vine this year. Shoulder problems.

Guidance appreciated!