Sweet Autumn Clematis
Clematis ternifolia

Hardy to Zone 4
Bloom Time - Late Summer (beginning in late August) - Fall
Color - White
Foliage - Broad, oval
Size - Climbs to 20-30 feet
Exposure - Full sun to partial shade (roots should be shaded)
Pruning - Cut back to the ground in early spring

Sweet autumn clematis intermingled with passion vine 'Waterloo Blue' and climbing rose 'Reve d'Or.' Click photo for larger image

Culture - I'm always amused to see this vine selling for high prices in nurseries and catalogs. I can't give the stuff away! Although very beautiful, blooming at a time when there is little interest in the garden, sweet autumn clematis has one big disadvantage - it is very invasive. I find it popping up all over the place every year, even in poor soil. Small seedlings are easy to remove however and the only problem I've had are the sneaky ones that come up close to another plant, usually at its base. The vines are deep-rooted and a well established plant is not that easy to remove. Sweet autumn clematis is a fast grower and will reach distances of 20-30 feet by fall. Just cut it back to the ground every spring and don't worry about it. In late August, the vine is covered with tiny star-shaped white flowers which look like a snow-covered bank from a distance. Very easy to grow, it does well in a variety of soil conditions and is drought tolerant. It is also very shade tolerant and will bloom adequately in limited light. Excellent for garden structures, trellises, lamp posts, mailboxes, etc.

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