Clematis paniculata (Sweet Autumn Clematis)

Sweetly scented, Clematis paniculata (Sweet Autumn Clematis) is a very large deciduous climber with masses of starry creamy-white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), from late summer to fall. The blossoms are so profuse that they generally cover the leathery dark green leaves. Their delightful fragrance, a mixture of sugar, honey, and vanilla, fills the air as you pass by. Even after flowering is over, this vine remains attractive, thanks to the silvery seedheads left by the passing flowers, therefore providing winter interest. Adding charm, fragrance, and color in the late-season garden, this vigorous and extremely floriferous vine is perfect for covering a wall, fence, or arbor. Clematis paniculata is a synonym of Clematis terniflora.

• Thrives in moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or part shade. Ideally, Clematis prefer having their ‘heads in the sun and their feet in the shade’. Keep the roots cool and shaded by other plants or add a layer of pebbles or flat stones at the base.
• Quickly grows up to 20-30 ft. long in a few seasons (6-9 m).
• This Clematis belongs to the third group of Clematis – a group including Clematis which flower in late summer on growth made in that season. They should be pruned in late winter or early spring and require ‘hard pruning’: simply cut back the stems to a pair of strong buds about 1ft. (30 cm) above ground level before growth begins in early spring. Cut back immediately after bloom where self-sown seedlings are a problem. Sweet Autumn Clematis can grow quite vigorously to the point of being invasive in warmer areas of the country.
• Native to New Zealand.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

As climbers, Clematis are unsurpassed in their long flowering presence, their rich diversity of flower shapes, and their wide array of colors and tolerances in terms of exposure and climate. It is no wonder they are so popular! From tree huggers to container varieties, there is a Clematis for every garden and flowers for almost every month of the year! Members of the Ranunculaceae family, they include more than 300 species and hundreds of hybrids. They create year after year a ravishing colorful show in the garden whether solely trained on walls, arbors, or trellises, or grown in association with other climbers. They are divided into 3 groups which determine how they should be pruned. Regular pruning of Clematis is important as it promotes strong growth and flowering as well as a harmonious plant. If left unpruned, Clematis can turn into a mass of tangled stems with a bare base and flowers well above eye level.