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Autumn Clematis

Clematis terniflora

Also known as Sweet Autumn Clematis, Sweet Autumn Virgin's-bower, Japanese Virgin's-bower

vine☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate water❄ Hardy: Zone 5a – Zone 9b

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A vigorous deciduous vine with delicate, fragrant white star-shaped flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. It is excellent for covering trellises, pergolas, and fences with ornamental foliage and abundant blossoms.

Why grow it

Autumn clematis flowers later in the growing season than many ornamental vines, extending visual interest into fall when few other climbing plants are in bloom. Its vigorous growth and self-supporting habit make it useful for rapid coverage of large vertical structures with minimal training, compared to slower-growing clematis species or other ornamental vines that may require more intensive pruning schedules.

Watch out for

This vine can become dense and heavy once established; ensure support structures are sturdy and inspect them periodically for damage. The tangled growth habit may require patience when pruning or removing stems, as they can become intertwined with nearby plants or structures.

Overview

Form
Spreading
Growth Rate
fast
Size
20–30′ tall × 20–30′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Ranunculaceae
biomass/mulchpollinator nectary

Native Range

Japan

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

Fall

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Companion Planting

Plants well with