Sweet Autumn Clematis
Clematis terniflora
A vigorous, woody-stemmed climbing vine featuring glossy dark green compound leaves, numerous upright oval flower buds, and small, star-shaped white flowers with prominent yellow stamens.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
- Water
- Moderate watering needs. Water deeply and regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Drought tolerance increases once established.
- Growth
- Perennial climbing vine with a rapid growth rate, capable of reaching mature heights of 10 to 30 feet with a dense, sprawling spread.
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade with regular watering to keep the root zone consistently moist but well-drained. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges and provide sturdy structural support for climbing.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Watering
Moderate watering needs. Water deeply and regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Drought tolerance increases once established.
Soil
Prefers rich, loamy, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 4 through 9, exhibiting strong cold hardiness and adaptability to various summer heat conditions.
Growth habit
Perennial climbing vine with a rapid growth rate, capable of reaching mature heights of 10 to 30 feet with a dense, sprawling spread.
Bloom season
Late summer to autumn, producing profuse clusters of small, fragrant, four-petaled white flowers.
Propagation
Propagated easily through semi-hardwood stem cuttings taken in summer or by sowing seeds in autumn.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to powdery mildew in humid environments and stem rot in poorly drained soils. Ensure good air circulation around the base.
Similar species
Clematis virginiana (Virgin's Bower), which features similar white flowers but possesses native North American distribution and slightly broader, serrated leaflets.