Sweet Autumn Clematis
Clematis terniflora
A vigorous, woody-stemmed deciduous or semi-evergreen vine featuring abundant small, white, fragrant star-shaped flowers and smooth green compound leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal flowering.
- Water
- Moderate watering needs. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it tolerates occasional dry spells, but performs best with consistent moisture.
- Growth
- Perennial climbing vine that uses twining leaf petioles to climb supports. Reaches mature heights of 10 to 30 feet with a spread of 6 to 10 feet, growing at a fast rate.
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade with regular watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Use fertile, well-draining soil and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal flowering.
Watering
Moderate watering needs. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it tolerates occasional dry spells, but performs best with consistent moisture.
Soil
Prefers rich, loamy, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, demonstrating strong winter cold tolerance.
Growth habit
Perennial climbing vine that uses twining leaf petioles to climb supports. Reaches mature heights of 10 to 30 feet with a spread of 6 to 10 feet, growing at a fast rate.
Bloom season
Blooms from late summer through autumn, producing small, white, four-petaled star-shaped flowers that emit a sweet fragrance.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or by sowing seeds in autumn. Layering can also be successfully performed in spring.
Common pests & issues
Generally resilient, but can occasionally be affected by powdery mildew in humid environments and stem rots caused by poor soil drainage. Ensure adequate air circulation around the vine to prevent fungal issues.
Similar species
Clematis virginiana (Virgin's Bower), which is native to North America and features similar white flowers, but can be distinguished by its slightly broader leaflets and earlier summer bloom time.