I don't grow clematis but if I had to choose 1, it would be "Miss Bateman" hands down. IT comes in Antique White, Brown or Pink, I prefer the white. It originates from the UK so you should be able to grow it. It's just a glorious plant.

you have a big choice

"viticella" is the group you need to look at Amsterdam tick all the boxes of what you want

sorry Bathgate, Miss Bateman with me is a washed out white (earwig heaven as well) and i have grown in several gardens, so many better whites out now as in Arctic Queen & if you want a cream white Guernsey Cream is a stunner

Gg

The viticellas are fantastic and aren't prone to wilt, but aren't suitable for your needs as they're late-flowering (July - September).

Only the early-flowering group are prone to wilt, so you'll either have to take your chances, or go for the really early flowerers (spring) from the alpina and macropetala groups.

As long as your soil is free-draining, moist (not wet) is good. :)

Have a look at Clematis cirrhosa Freckles. It's an evergreen with glossy dark green leaves tinged bronze in winter. The small pink/white speckled flowers are nodding. I've grown it and loved it. Since being in this house I haven't got around to another one but I intend to soon.

Miss Bateman has large white flowers. So far mine has done well but it can be temperamental and just turn up it's toes.

Here are some good choices including Ms Bateman. I know you are asking for pink, but just wanted to mention this one.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/1821173/clematis-2014

Here's my pics http://www.growsonyou.com/photo/slideshow/305979-clematis/member/bathgate

http://www.growsonyou.com/photo/slideshow/306605-clamatis-miss-bateman/member/bathgate

Hi Bathgate

"Horses for courses"

Gg

Thanks Gg but I'm not the one asking the question and I don't grow clematis. :)

Regarding wilt, the species clematis do not suffer from wilt - its the hybrids that do (such as Miss Bateman, Bees Jubilee, Jackmanii, any of those). Montana, alpina, tangutica, all are impervious to wilt.

Alpina sounds like it would fit the bill - there's a particularly lovely one called Frances Rivis, but there are others

https://www.dobbies.com/products/plants/clematis/clematis-alpina-frances-rivis/

However, no clematis likes having wet feet, so it depends how wet your soil is, - they like plenty of moisture, but also well drained, meaning the water in soil does not sit for days without draining away, and the species clematis do get a bit larger than you've specified, and will need something to climb up. If you wanted to keep it smaller, pruning immediately after flowering should do it, though technically, they don't require pruning other than a bit of a tidy up.

That's too bad if you can't grow them. They are 'drop dead' gorgeous plants - the ones I've seen.

Obviously there are a lot of clematis lovers amongst you! Thank you for your suggestions. I will have a look at the various websites suggested. Taylors clematis have a good selection- has anyone ordered from them before?

I'm sure the perfect clematis is waiting for you. If you scroll down and click in "C" then "Clematis Plants" you'll see oodles upon oodles and caboodles of choices.

I've ordered clematis from Taylors, the clematis arrive beautifully packaged and healthy well grown good sized plants. I was very satisfied with their service.

Yes, I can recommend Taylor's Clematis as well