Clematis terniflora
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SWEET AUTUMN CLEMATIS
syn. C. dioscoreifolia, C. maximowicziana, C. paniculata
Family: Ranunculaceae
Pronounced: KLEM-uh-tiss
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan.
Plant Group:
Vines.
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Mature size: Height: 6-10 feet (2-3 m).
Flowering period: August to October.
Flowering attributes: Fragrant, star-shaped, small white flowers.
Leaf attributes: Deciduous, deep green leaves.
Light: Tops in full sun or partial shade, feet in shade.
Soil: Fertile, humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding: Mulch well with composted manure or compost. Fertilize once a month with a complete organic fertilizer during the growing season.
Propagation Methods: Layer branches in late winter. | Basal and softwood cuttings in spring. | Division in spring. | Semi-ripe cuttings in early summer. | Sow at 68ºF (20ºC), if no germination occurs in 4 weeks, move to 24-39ºF (-4 to +4ºC) for 4 weeks.
Pruning Methods: Pruning group 3 or C.
Rainy Side Notes
Sometime around 1818 this species was discovered. C. terniflora's common name, Sweet autumn clematis, aptly describes its time of flowering and its fragrance. I sit in my office in late summer with the window open and the sweet smell wafts into the room.
My clematis vigorously climbs all over a loose hedge of Viburnum trilobum instead of the inadequate trellis I provided for it. It is a nice pairing especially with the numerous clusters of red Viburnum's berries surrounded by the abundant white flowers of the clematis vine.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
Additional Reading
Planting and Care of Clematis.
Book Recommendation: Gardening with Clematis : Design & Cultivation
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