Clematis terniflora
sweet autumn clematis
Strong, vigorous deciduous (semi-evergreen in mild winters) climber 6m tall or more, with hairy stems, semi-woody with age, dark green leaves divided into leaflets carried on long leaf stalks, and large clusters of small fragrant, single, star-shaped, white flowers about 3cm across with cream anthers, flowering from late summer to autumn, followed by attractive seedheads
Synonyms
Clematis chinensis misappliedClematis thunbergii misapplied
see moreClematis maximowicziana
Clematis maximowiczii
Clematis dioscoreifolia
Clematis paniculata Thunb.
Clematis flammula var. robusta
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | White | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (rabbits): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Clematis can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or herbaceous perennials, mostly climbing by twining leaf-stalks, and often with showy flowers. Some have attractive fluffy seedheads in autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Far East
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, with the roots and base of the plant kept cool and shaded by other plants or a layer of pebbles at the base. Plant with the crown 5-8cm deep to encourage new shoots to grow from below ground level. See clematis cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring, semi-ripe cuttings in early summer or layering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphid, slug, snail or caterpillar damage on young growth
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), clematis wilt and clematis slime flux
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.