Clematis Species, Sweet Autumn Clematis, Virgin's Bower, Japanese Clematis

Clematisterniflora

Family
Ranunculaceae (ra-nun-kew-LAY-see-ee)
Genus
Clematis (KLEM-uh-tiss)
Species
terniflora (ter-ni-FLOR-uh)
Synonym
Clematis maximowicziana
Clematis dioscoreifolia
Clematis maximowicziana
Clematis dioscoreifolia
Other Details
Other details
Propagation Methods
Seed Collecting
Flower Fragrance
Patent Information
Bloom Shape
Pruning Groups
Bloom Diameter
Foliage Color
Bloom Characteristics
Water Requirements
Where to Grow
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Birmingham, Alabama

Gadsden, Alabama

Madison, Alabama

Mobile, Alabama

Montgomery, Alabama

Vincent, Alabama

Weaver, Alabama

Woodland, Alabama

Little Rock, Arkansas

Malvern, Arkansas

Capistrano Beach, California

Fresno, California

Georgetown, California

Los Altos, California

Murrieta, California

Scotts Valley, California

Clifton, Colorado

Sterling, Colorado

Amston, Connecticut

Glastonbury, Connecticut

Norwalk, Connecticut

Dagsboro, Delaware

Bartow, Florida

Daytona Beach, Florida

Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Fountain, Florida

Gainesville, Florida(2 reports)

New Port Richey, Florida

Ormond Beach, Florida

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Atlanta, Georgia

Barnesville, Georgia

Bethlehem, Georgia

Braselton, Georgia

Canton, Georgia

Evans, Georgia

Gibson, Georgia

Hawkinsville, Georgia

Madison, Georgia

Roopville, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia

Bloomington, Illinois

Cherry Valley, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois(2 reports)

Crystal Lake, Illinois

Des Plaines, Illinois

Divernon, Illinois

Jacksonville, Illinois

Lake In The Hills, Illinois

Lincoln, Illinois

Machesney Park, Illinois

Madison, Illinois

Maroa, Illinois

Morris, Illinois

Nilwood, Illinois

Washington, Illinois

Waukegan, Illinois

Winnetka, Illinois

Bloomington, Indiana(2 reports)

Bremen, Indiana

Chesterton, Indiana

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Patriot, Indiana

South Bend, Indiana

Davenport, Iowa

Keokuk, Iowa

Mason City, Iowa

Andover, Kansas

Clay Center, Kansas

Derby, Kansas

Wichita, Kansas

Barbourville, Kentucky

Ewing, Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky(2 reports)

Louisville, Kentucky

Salvisa, Kentucky

Covington, Louisiana

Independence, Louisiana

Pollock, Louisiana

Springfield, Louisiana

Zachary, Louisiana

Gardiner, Maine

Garrett Park, Maryland

Attleboro, Massachusetts

Bridgewater, Massachusetts

Danvers, Massachusetts

Dracut, Massachusetts

Lexington, Massachusetts

Marblehead, Massachusetts

Mashpee, Massachusetts

Milton, Massachusetts

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Quincy, Massachusetts

Reading, Massachusetts

Wayland, Massachusetts

Worcester, Massachusetts

Canton, Michigan

Dearborn Heights, Michigan

Delton, Michigan

East Tawas, Michigan

Plainwell, Michigan

Royal Oak, Michigan

Traverse City, Michigan

Milaca, Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Rochester, Minnesota

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Wyoming, Minnesota

Byhalia, Mississippi

Marietta, Mississippi

Mathiston, Mississippi

Mccomb, Mississippi

Starkville, Mississippi

Bates City, Missouri

Jackson, Missouri

Piedmont, Missouri

Saint Louis, Missouri

Cut Bank, Montana

Central City, Nebraska

Lincoln, Nebraska(2 reports)

Omaha, Nebraska

Munsonville, New Hampshire

Brick, New Jersey

Howell, New Jersey

Marlton, New Jersey

Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Neptune, New Jersey

Plainsboro, New Jersey

Woodbury, New Jersey

Binghamton, New York

Brooklyn, New York

Clifton Park, New York

Croton On Hudson, New York

Glen Cove, New York

Sag Harbor, New York

Southold, New York

West Sayville, New York

Clayton, North Carolina

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Greensboro, North Carolina

Greenville, North Carolina

Henderson, North Carolina

Highlands, North Carolina

Raleigh, North Carolina

Winston Salem, North Carolina

Akron, Ohio

Bucyrus, Ohio

Cincinnati, Ohio(2 reports)

Columbus, Ohio

Conneaut, Ohio

Coshocton, Ohio

Dayton, Ohio

Dublin, Ohio

Fort Jennings, Ohio

Geneva, Ohio

Hamilton, Ohio

Middlefield, Ohio

Portsmouth, Ohio

Ravenna, Ohio

Saint Marys, Ohio

Xenia, Ohio

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Edmond, Oklahoma

Enid, Oklahoma

Hulbert, Oklahoma

Norman, Oklahoma

Purcell, Oklahoma

Brookings, Oregon

Harbor, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Roseburg, Oregon

Allentown, Pennsylvania

Greensburg, Pennsylvania

Mc Keesport, Pennsylvania

Monongahela, Pennsylvania

New Tripoli, Pennsylvania

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Providence, Rhode Island

Wakefield, Rhode Island

Catawba, South Carolina

Conway, South Carolina

Hartsville, South Carolina

Laurens, South Carolina

Prosperity, South Carolina

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Summerville, South Carolina

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Clarksville, Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee

Austin, Texas

Beaumont, Texas

Broaddus, Texas

Conroe, Texas

Corsicana, Texas

Dallas, Texas(2 reports)

Del Valle, Texas

Ennis, Texas

Fate, Texas

Fort Worth, Texas

Georgetown, Texas

Houston, Texas

Jacksonville, Texas

Lewisville, Texas

New Braunfels, Texas

New Caney, Texas

Richmond, Texas

Rockwall, Texas

San Antonio, Texas

Stinnett, Texas

Clifton, Virginia

Manassas, Virginia

Petersburg, Virginia

Stafford, Virginia

Stephenson, Virginia

Camas, Washington

Indianola, Washington

Vancouver, Washington

Eglon, West Virginia

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mukwonago, Wisconsin

Ripon, Wisconsin

show all

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

36
positives
9
neutrals
27
negatives
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P
Columbus, OH | August 2019 | negative

It doesn't matter if you love it, or if you keep it pruned and "under control" in your garden -- it is highly, aggressively invasive into...Read More

S
Greenfield, IN (Zone 6a) | May 2018 | negative

Monsterously invasive. Add my name to those who hate this plant. It crops up every darn where, spraying it just feeds it's insatiable h...Read More

C
C
Marblehead, MA | January 2017 | neutral

I thought clematis was a long living plant. My three Autumn Clematis that are 7-10 years old just did nothing last summer. They did no...Read More

N
Marcellus, NY | October 2016 | negative

In New York State, Clematis terniflora is listed as Highly Invasive, and it is on the state's Regulated Invasive Species list, which mean...Read More

E
New Tripoli, PA | August 2016 | negative

Here in eastern Pennsylvania, clematis virginianus is an incredibly invasive nuisance. It's not the seed so much as the fact it grows fro...Read More

D
Fresno, CA | April 2015 | negative

DO NOT PLANT THIS!! Yes, it is beautiful cascading over a fence, and yes, it smells nice, but it is incredibly, horribly invasive. I'm ta...Read More

R
Danvers, MA | February 2015 | positive

For those of us who experience cold winters with freezing temps, Sweet Autumn Clematis is a welcome addition to the garden, our winter mo...Read More

D
Glencoe, AL (Zone 8a) | October 2014 | positive

A lot of people are posting how horrible this plant is, but that is to be expected from a VINE. If you do not keep it in check, YES it wi...Read More

G
Maroa, IL | June 2014 | negative

We purchased 2 of these vines after seeing them in full bloom in our small town. Didn't research but wish we had because after the first...Read More

R
Downingtown, PA | February 2014 | negative

It is pretty; however it is very fast and rampant growing. It does make a lot of seed and lots of seedlings all around and it is hard to ...Read More

C
ROSLINDALE, MA | February 2014 | negative

Self-sows aggressively. The scent is hawthorn-like, with the fishy overtones, not at all pleasant to my nose. Unlike most clematis, the f...Read More

T
Broken Arrow, OK | September 2013 | negative

I made the horrible mistake of planting this nasty plant on an arbor about four years ago. It bloomed beautifully. The next year I had ...Read More

A
Decatur, IL | July 2013 | negative

Horridly invasive! I HATE this plant! It does not yet grow on our property because I regularly help a neighbor attempt to control it on ...Read More

E
Tyaskin, MD (Zone 7a) | June 2013 | negative

Never, ever grow clematis terniflora. It is listed as a introduced non-native invasive in every invasive list found. It is a Japanese p...Read More

B
Comerio, PR (Zone 11) | December 2012 | positive

Believe it or not this clematis bloomed here in zone 12 (Puerto Rico) .... I was very impressed when I saw it. I was not expecting this p...Read More

W
gibson, GA (Zone 7b) | September 2012 | positive

August in the Augusta, GA is usually at the end of the summer annual's show of bloom but much too early for fall blooming annuals. Sweet ...Read More

P
Waynesboro, PA | September 2012 | negative

In a nearby yard, a fall-blooming clematis has spread everywhere...half-way up large blue spruces, into apple trees, covering forsythia b...Read More

G
Brick Township, NJ | May 2012 | positive

I have never myself grown this plant, but I lived for two years in Ocean Grove, NJ, where it was everywhere. Everyone who grew it loved i...Read More

M
Royal Oak, MI | March 2012 | positive

This just showed up one year at out house on the east side of Detroit. Was not planted by me, the lady that lived in the house, the guy t...Read More

N
Glendale, MO | March 2012 | negative

I too joined this forum for the sole purpose of discouraging propagation of this extremely invasive nuisance. I never planted it, but th...Read More

G
(Zone 5a) | February 2012 | neutral

Gorgeous, but spreads a bit freely. Blooms September - October in my garden.

C
Salem, NH | August 2011 | negative

My first attempt with Sweet Autumn Clematis was quite successful. The plant came back stronger every year for 4 yrs. then died. I repl...Read More

K
K
Dayton, OH | August 2011 | positive

I've had this plant in three locations for years and it has not been invasive. It migrated once, but I gave one of the babies to my daug...Read More

A
Los Altos, CA | August 2011 | negative

The plant has been in the ground for 4 years. It has bloomed once, 2 or 3 blossoms, which were fragrant. At this moment, the middle of ...Read More

H
Xenia, OH | August 2011 | positive

I planted Sweet Autumn Clematis in each corner flower bed I have in the back yard. I made cylinder "cages" out of what we call hog wire a...Read More

G
Paoli, IN | August 2011 | negative

Think long term - after the planter of this aggressive weed is gone, who will do the "regular pruning and weeding' suggested in this article?

F
Glen Cove, NY (Zone 6b) | April 2011 | positive

This sprouted in my yard about five years back, having drifted in from a neighbor's yard. (Which is more than fair since my Common Milkwe...Read More

J
Bloomington, IN | February 2011 | negative

Because of its beautiful fragrance, we allowed this volunteer to grow for 3-4 years, and now it is a completely invasive parasite. Would...Read More

E
E
Amston, CT (Zone 6b) | May 2010 | positive

I ordered a sweet autumn clematis about 15 years ago and planted it along our stockade fence -- it covered the whole fence and was absolu...Read More

B
South Kingstown, RI (Zone 5b) | February 2010 | neutral

Out of no where, Sweet Autumn Clematis volunteered to grow along the walls of our outdoor shower in South Kingstown, RI. By mid summer, ...Read More

C
| November 2009 | positive

I always look forward to when mine blooms(Aug.-Oct.).
It smells wonderful. The scent reminds me of the old-time sweetheart soap. A...Read More

B
Baltimore, MD | September 2009 | negative

This is highly invasive. My entire neighborhood is covered in this vine. In some places it is choking out the honeysuckle and English ivy...Read More

M
Blaine, MN (Zone 4b) | June 2009 | negative

I planted one the year before last and last fall it really had done well but this year I had to replace it. It apparently froze out....So...Read More

M
Williamstown, NJ (Zone 6b) | February 2009 | negative

This vine was here when I bought my house. Oh yes it was beautifull when it bloomed and it smelled great. But then the second year I foun...Read More

L
Sag Harbor, NY | November 2008 | positive

Fastest growing, quckest blooming, and least damaging vine compared to wisteria and trumpet vine. If you have a fence to hide, this is by...Read More

S
Manassas, VA | October 2008 | positive

I love this vine. I first saw it blooming in Colonial Beach,VA. I was so taken by the fragrance I bought some for my yard. It lasted on...Read More

G
Plainwell, MI (Zone 5b) | September 2008 | neutral

I see this lovely plant every where but I can not get it to blossom in our yard. It gets some dappled sun almost all day. So I have not ...Read More

B
Jackson, MO (Zone 6b) | June 2008 | positive

I have this plant at a low platform on my deck steps. I yanked it out (or so I thought) several years back. Then, last year, there it w...Read More

P
Montgomery, AL | May 2008 | positive

Yes, Autumn Clematis can be/is invasive here in Montgomery, Al., but the fall showing is still worth it.

A number of yea...Read More

D
Greenville, NC | May 2008 | negative

Although beautiful, lush, fragrant covering our "Lovers Kiosk" it is the MOST INVASIVE PLANT I HAVE EVER SEEN. It cmes up every where, in...Read More

I
Bloomington, IN | November 2007 | neutral

Zone 6b Bloomington, IN. I bought this plant by mistake. I was trying to buy the native plant, C. virginiana, which is also called swee...Read More

D
D
Chesterton, IN | November 2007 | positive

I have this plant it is awesome I have a lot of people who love the smell and want to grow one, the only problem is mine does not have sh...Read More

C
C
West Pottsgrove, PA (Zone 6b) | October 2007 | negative

I find this plant growing in protected wetlands in Maryland, roadsides, hedgerows, fences... Yet another non-native invasive, causing eco...Read More

T
T
Orange, TX (Zone 9a) | September 2007 | neutral

Summer of 2007 noticed this growing all around Orange, TX

S
Frederick, MD (Zone 6b) | September 2007 | positive

Lovely vine bearing dainty white lightly fragrant blossoms. I find this to be a hearty vigorous grower and fortunately so far it has stay...Read More

P
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a) | June 2007 | positive

I have this growing on an old clothes line pole and it has always done great for me. I hardly ever water it and it still thrives. I hav...Read More

G
Madison, IL (Zone 6b) | May 2007 | negative

This vine was growing on the chainlink fence when we moved in our home 18 years ago. At first I was impressed with the lovely fragrant f...Read More

S
Orlando, FL | December 2006 | positive

I have this vine here in Orlando, Fl, and it was very pretty last summer. Some kind of bug did eat on it but not sure what kind it was. T...Read More

L
Roopville, GA (Zone 7b) | August 2006 | neutral

this is a pretty vine with tons of white flowers in late summer. i found this in my yard and it is popping up everywhere.

I
Jeffersonville, IN (Zone 6b) | July 2006 | positive

I had no clue what this was until just recently, when I stumbled across it on DG.
It does bloom profusely, and if you're not caref...Read More

G
Bloomington, IN (Zone 5b) | June 2006 | negative

I bought my house in early May last year and the previous owner told me to put up a trellis in this one spot because some everlasting pea...Read More

W
W
Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a) | February 2006 | positive

A beautiful clematis I absolutely love to grow!

It perches atop our chain link fence in the front yard,
adding beau...Read More

S
Clifton Park, NY (Zone 5a) | December 2005 | positive

Good growth in its first year and I am expecting even more from it next year. I have it growing around my front porch area where I'm hopi...Read More

B
Indianola, WA | October 2005 | neutral

in the pacific northwest, this plant can be seen growing up into the evergreens and evokes the feel of spanish moss when the numerous see...Read More

S
Dublin, OH (Zone 5b) | October 2005 | positive

Very quick to establish (two years from a garden store twig to something over 8 ft tall and appropriately wide). The flowers are very pre...Read More

F
Gainesville, FL | July 2005 | negative

This plant is taking over an undistubed nature area near our house. Very interesting how all the native clematis that I grow in my yard ...Read More

J
Rockwall, TX | April 2005 | positive

I have had this vine trailing over the wooden fence in my alley for three years. When in bloom, it is so beautiful that my neighbors will...Read More

C
Delton, MI | October 2004 | positive

A beautiful, vigerous, climbing plant. I was going to prune it this fall until I read that one person lets the winter birds nest in it. G...Read More

F
Sandusky, MI | September 2004 | positive

Here in the Thumb of Michigan, just a few miles inland from Lake Huron it thrives.
The birds love it, they nest in it all winter, ...Read More

S
Philadelphia, PA | September 2004 | positive

This is such a beauty to have in the garden. Many, many many tiny 4pointed white flowers. The fragrance is just beautiful. I have...Read More

N
Kannapolis, NC (Zone 7b) | August 2004 | negative

Uh, this weekend I was at my father's house and saw a patch of this. At first my thought was - how neat a Clematis growing in the woods....Read More

O
Morrison, OK | May 2004 | positive

In zone 6 it is a vigorous grower. I'm trying to find out it it is toxic to horses. My parents have a plant and I want to grow it on ou...Read More

B
Bossier City, LA (Zone 8a) | May 2004 | positive

I do have to keep an eye on it, but it is well worth the effort for the profusion of flowers in the fall when there is less of interest i...Read More

Z
Winston Salem, NC | May 2004 | positive

This unique vine has added alot to my garden from my neighbors yard. She has planted 2 on the fence and it completely climbs throughout t...Read More

T
Piedmont, MO (Zone 6a) | October 2003 | positive

My Clematis terniflora has never been invasive. As soon as the blooms fade, I cut the whole plant back to about 3 feet so it neve...Read More

A
Tyler, TX | October 2003 | negative

I live in zone 7, and Clematis terniflora is invasive here. I have to keep it from spreading all over the yard. I have never seen ...Read More

N
| September 2003 | positive

This is a beautiful cover for fence or trellis. The blooms are wonderful and smell great, the seeds blow in the wind and grow ...Read More

M
M
Lincoln, NE | June 2003 | positive

This is a great clematis, it is fast growing and needs lots of room, I have it on the east side of my house and it does great with a half...Read More

M
Plain City, OH | June 2003 | positive

I get many volunteers from this plant. I highly recommend it to any gardener that has the energy to dig up and dispose of the unwanted e...Read More

P
Claremore, OK | June 2003 | positive

This is a VERY fast growing Clematis, and needs plenty of room to spread out! The fragrance is GREAT, and it's just breathtaking in full...Read More

V
Barnesville, GA (Zone 8a) | April 2003 | positive

Strong grower and mostly evergreen for me. Wonderfully scented tiny flowers late summer/early fall, followed by silverly seedpods.

C
C
Lufkin, TX | August 2001 | neutral

Sweet Autumn Clematis provides profuse white blossoms from late summer to fall.

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