Sweet Autumn Clematis

(Clematis terniflora)

Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Clematis terniflora, commonly known as Sweet Autumn Clematis or Sweet Autumn Virginsbower, is a deciduous perennial vine originating from forest margins, stream banks, and slopes in East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and Northern China. This vigorous climber can reach lengths of 10 to 30 feet (3 to 9 meters) and is characterized by its opposite, pinnately compound leaves on twining stems. The plant produces an abundance of small, star-shaped, white flowers from late summer to autumn, which are highly fragrant and attract bees. Following flowering, it develops distinctive, plume-like seed heads that persist into winter, adding textural interest to the garden landscape.

Sweet Autumn Clematis is valued for its late-season blooms and ability to cover unsightly structures or create living screens. It is often used to adorn fences, trellises, and arbors, providing a lush, green backdrop throughout the growing season. This species is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal fertilization and watering once established. It thrives in a range of soil types, provided they offer good drainage. Pruning is typically done in late winter or early spring to promote vigorous new growth and abundant flowering. However, gardeners should be aware of its invasive potential; it can spread aggressively via wind-dispersed seeds and should be managed carefully to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine
  • Height: 15-30 feet
  • Width: 15-30 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Cream, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Forest margins, stream banks, and slopes in East Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Sweet Autumn Clematis, Yam-Leaf Clematis, Japanese Clematis, Japanese Virgin’s-Bower, Autumn Clematis, Leather-Leaved Clematis, Sweet Autumn Virgin’s-Bower, Yam-Leaved Clematis, Clématite À Panicules, Stor Vippklematis

Scientific Names: , Clematis terniflora, Clematis maximowicziana, Clematis dioscoreifolia, Clematis terniflora var. terniflora, Clematis terniflora var. robusta, Clematis dioscoreifolia var. robusta, Clematis terniflora f. maximowicziana, Clematis dioscoreifolia f. denticulata, Clematis flammula var. robusta

GBIF Accepted Name: Clematis terniflora DC.