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Sweet Autumn Clematis

Clematis terniflora

  • Intoxicating Fragrance Blooms Late Summer Through Fall When Few Vines Flower
  • Heat Tolerant: Thrives in Zones 5-9
  • Showy White Blooms From Late Summer to Late Fall
  • Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant
  • Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees
Regular price $3022
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This vigorous climber thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for the best flower production. While it tolerates more shade than most clematis, less sun usually results in fewer of those iconic vanilla-scented white blooms.
  • Soil: Aim for rich, well-drained soil that stays consistently moist but not soggy. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, as "wet feet" can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide 1 inch of water per week to help the root system establish itself deep in the soil. Once mature, Sweet Autumn Clematis is quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during the hottest weeks can lead to crispy leaf edges and smaller flower clusters. Think of regular watering as fuel for that massive late-season growth spurt.

Pruning Tips

This variety blooms on new wood, meaning it produces flowers on the stems that grow during the current season. In late winter or very early spring, cut the entire plant back to about 12 inches above the ground to prevent it from becoming a tangled, woody mess. This "hard prune" acts like a reset button, encouraging fresh, vigorous vines and keeping the fragrant flowers at eye level.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 formula) in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages lush green leaves at the expense of flower production. Excess nitrogen late in the year also prevents the plant from hardening off properly before the first frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

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Description

Amazingly Fragrant Sweet Autumn Clematis Vine

  • Covered in Delicate, Pure White Flowers
  • Flowers from Late Summer to Fall
  • Incredible Fragrance Perfumes the Neighborhood
  • Large Scale
  • Cover Structures with a Soft, Fluffy Mound of Blooms
  • Use as Groundcover
  • Tolerates High Heat and Cold Winters
  • Very Vigorous Growth
  • Tolerates Some Shade
  • Pruning Group 3

Love fragrant plants? Start off your growing season with Lilacs or Korean Spicebush; then enjoy Roses and Lavenders.

Finish off your scented garden by growing a beautiful vine that makes your whole neighborhood smell amazing! Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora) grows quickly to cover sturdy structures and delights all who come near with its marvelous fragrance

You'll swear the delicate white blooms smell like citrus fruit and spun sugar! Wrap your patio or garden gate in their effervescent, uplifting fragrance.

Starting in summer, you'll start seeing many hundreds of tiny buds develop above the dark green leaves. They'll open into petite, star-shaped flowers and continue to bloom from late summer through fall.

All season, these vigorous vines create a beautifully mounded bower of lustrous, dark green foliage. In bloom, they are liberally festooned in an enchanting display.

Even after the flower power has passed, the feathery seed heads add interest and texture. Keep them standing, unless you want to control their size and spread.

What's more...nothing could be easier to grow and maintain with simple care requirements. In fact, in some areas this vine does "too well".

Type in your Zip Code to see if there are any regulations for this vine in your area. Nature Hills is so proud to partner with Plant Sentry™, an online shipping compliance tool to help protect ecosystems across the United States.

If you can safely grow this outstanding vine, you'll gain an extraordinary garden feature. Their lavish, billowing charm is unmatched, when grown in the right area.

Of course, you'll also support butterflies and pollinators with this free-flowering choice. They certainly appreciate the late season nectar...especially the Monarchs as they gear up for their long annual migration.

Sweet Autumn Clematis is an experience! Breathe deep and savor their sweet fragrance in your own yard...order now.

How to Use Sweet Autumn Clematis in the Landscape

This robust climber needs a sturdy structure. However, the leaf stalks of Sweet Autumn Clematis twine best around narrow supports; so you may need to add garden mesh first.

Install your structure first before you plant. They'll happily climb up trellises, poles, trees and garden structures like obelisks and towers.

It's easy to add height, color and a charming vertical accent with their help! There is nothing so refreshing as a glass of iced tea sitting under a vine-covered pergola or arbor.

Sweet Autumn Clematis is especially wonderful growing up and over a garden gate. Treat yourself like royalty, and capture the imagination of all who pass under their fleecy, fragrant flowers.

It's easy to start them moving horizontally, too. Let them grow through an old chain link fence to improve their looks and add green!

Gently weave the youngest growth in and out through the holes. Although you can trim them back, you might consider leaving a little of the past growth, as they'll scramble along that without any fuss or muss.

Many people swear by using this climber as a spreading groundcover. Fill a barren slope with a romantic sweep, planting every ten feet and mulching underneath.

This plant is magical on a large property, where it can self-seed. If you want to keep it in control on a smaller property, simply cut it down to the ground right after it freezes in fall.

Be sure to remove the old vine, bagged for yard waste. There are viable seeds in the cute, feathery seed heads and they will sprout in your compost pile!

#ProPlantTips for Care

This selection was called Clematis paniculata, but the botanical name has changed. The new name is Clematis terniflora and it's the same showy, scented vine you know so well.

Like all Clematis, this fragrant variety likes full sun on the foliage, and shade on their root zone. You'll be pleased to know that Sweet Autumn Clematis flowers better than most, even in part shade.

Give it loamy, somewhat moist, well-drained soil. Add a few handfuls of compost and Nature Hills Root Booster while planting Clematis.

Apply at least three inches of wood mulch around the base of your Sweet Autumn Clematis. Then, pull it away from directly touching the stems for good air circulation.

Prune this variety hard late fall to eliminate seeding, or do it in early spring before it starts to grow. They thrive and bloom on new wood, so cut these twining vines down to six inches and remove the old growth.

Keep your Clematis tidy by pruning as often as you like. You'll encourage reblooming with this easy task, as well!

Watch out for nitrogen fertilizers designed for lawns. Feed this heavy feeder a formula for flowering plants, following instructions on the label.

Mmmm….get ready for the compliments! Place your order for Sweet Autumn Clematis from Nature Hills today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sweet autumn clematis grow in a pot?

  • Sweet autumn clematis can grow in containers, but it's a very vigorous vine that quickly outgrows most pots. Its aggressive growth habit makes it better suited for permanent garden plantings where it can spread freely. If container growing, use a very large pot and be prepared to prune heavily to control size.

How to prune clematis in the fall?

  • Sweet Autumn Clematis is Pruning Group 3, meaning you cut it back hard in late winter or early spring, not fall. This vigorous vine blooms on new wood, so severe pruning encourages abundant flowers. Leave the feathery seed heads for winter interest, then prune to 12-18 inches in February. Shop pruning tools at naturehills.com.

How big does Sweet Autumn Clematis get at maturity (height and width)?

  • Sweet Autumn Clematis is a vigorous vine that can reach 15-30 feet in height and spread 6-10 feet wide at maturity. This fast-growing perennial quickly covers sturdy structures with its mounded growth habit. Provide strong support like arbors or fences to accommodate its substantial size.

What are the sunlight requirements for Sweet Autumn Clematis (full sun, part shade, etc.)?

  • Sweet Autumn Clematis thrives in full sun but tolerates some shade. This vigorous vine performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering and fragrance. Plant in a sunny location for the most abundant blooms from late summer through fall.

What type of soil does Sweet Autumn Clematis prefer?

  • Sweet Autumn Clematis thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates a wide range of soil types. This vigorous vine adapts to various conditions while maintaining its incredible fragrance and abundant white blooms. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, and shop at Nature Hills for healthy plants.

How often should I water Sweet Autumn Clematis after planting?

  • Water Sweet Autumn Clematis deeply once or twice weekly during its first growing season to establish strong roots. This vigorous vine is quite drought tolerant once established. Reduce watering frequency after the first year, watering only during extended dry periods.

Does Sweet Autumn Clematis need fertilizer, and when?

  • Sweet Autumn Clematis thrives with minimal feeding due to its vigorous nature. A balanced fertilizer in early spring supports healthy growth, but avoid over-fertilizing as this can reduce flowering. Apply compost annually for best results.

Is Sweet Autumn Clematis cold hardy and does it need winter protection?

  • Sweet Autumn Clematis tolerates cold winters and doesn't require winter protection in most growing zones. This vigorous vine is naturally cold hardy and will die back to the ground in winter, then regrow vigorously each spring. Simply leave the structure in place for next year's growth.

What is the warranty or guarantee if the Sweet Autumn Clematis arrives damaged or dies?

  • Nature Hills offers a one-year warranty on all plants, including Sweet Autumn Clematis, covering arrival damage and establishment issues. This vigorous vine is exceptionally hardy and rarely fails when planted properly. Contact customer service immediately if your clematis arrives damaged or fails to establish within the first growing season.

Is Sweet Autumn Clematis prone to diseases like clematis wilt or pests?

  • Sweet Autumn Clematis is remarkably disease-resistant and rarely suffers from clematis wilt that affects other clematis varieties. Its vigorous nature and simple care requirements make it naturally pest-resistant. Focus on providing good air circulation and avoid overwatering to maintain its robust health.

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