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Clematis terniflora (Sweet autumn clematis)

Clematis terniflora Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Clematis terniflora KLEM-ah-tiss ter-nih-FLOOR-ah Common Name: Sweet autumn clematis Synonyms: C. dioscoreifolia, C. maximowicziana, C. paniculata 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.
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 Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Naturalizing, Trellis
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Vines

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