Clematis terniflora (Sweet autumn clematis)

Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 3 user reviews)

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Hardiness Zones:

Botanical Name: Clematis terniflora KLEM-ah-tiss ter-nih-FLOOR-ah

Common Name: Sweet autumn clematis Synonyms: C. dioscoreifolia, C. maximowicziana, C. paniculata Genus: Clematis

This deciduous, late-flowering twining vine with deep green leaves and profuse, fragrant white flowers is easy to grow and will thrive and bloom in shade. Star-shaped blossoms are 1 inch across, appearing from late August to October and maturing to attractive, plume-like seed heads. The shiny green foliage is leathery.
Noteworthy characteristics: Can self-seed invasively and has escaped cultivation and naturalized in the East and Midwest US. Without support, it will sprawl along the ground, covering up to 10 feet and choking most weeds.
Care: Prefers full sun and average, well-drained but moist soil. Extremely rampant growth habit that may need hard pruning in fall or early spring.
Propagation: Root softwood cuttings in spring, semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.
Problems: Wilt, powdery mildew, rust, fungal spots, and stem cankers are common. Scale insects, whiteflies, earwigs, aphids can occur.

Overview
User Reviews
Photos

Height	10 ft. to 15 ft.
Spread	6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Habit	Spreads
Growth Pace	Fast Grower;Invasive/Aggressive Grower
Light	Full Sun Only
Moisture	Medium Moisture
Maintenance	Low
Characteristics	Fragrant Flowers; Self Seeds; Showy Flowers; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time	Early Fall; Fall; Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color	White Flower
Uses	Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Naturalizing, Trellis
Seasonal Interest	Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type	Vines

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posted by toosbrab
9/13/2009
Region: Midwest
Zone: 5

I have over 30 clematis and this is by far my favorite. Butterflies and bees love this plant and the fragrance is to die for. It grows outward from the ground to quickly fill in a fence where most other clematis grow straight up. You can grow this on a fence or over a stump or structure such as a garage or shed. This clematis is a pruning code 3 and I cut mine down every spring. This clematis takes no special care, dig a hole and throw it in and forget about it. No need to be gentle with this clematis, it is the most hardy clematis I have. I never have had a problem with self seeding. I highly recommend this plant. Don't be afraid of the size, just take it into consideration. I live in town and have 3 Sweet autum clematis.

posted by marie57
2/3/2009
Region: Northeast
Zone: 6

Do not plant this vine. The previous owners planted this on the side yard and it has killed the trees, it spreads through out my yard. I have spent the past 6 years pulling this out of the trees and yard.

posted by Arian
7/8/2008
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Zone: 8

I give this plant a rating of ZERO. In order to get this to post, I had to click on a leaf. In my home town, Manteo, NC, on the Outer Banks, this has become a noxious weed. It covers everything worse than Japanese honeysuckle, blocking the light and killing many fine, expensive shrubs. I spend much of my 'vacation' time trying to eradicate this beautiful, Kudzu-like criminal. PLEASE STOP RECOMMENDING IT!!

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