Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora) KLEM-ah-tiss ter-nih-FLOOR-ah Synonyms:  C. dioscoreifolia 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

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 Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Trellis Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Vines