Sweet Autumn Clematis plant profile
Clematis terniflora
A perennial ornamental for full sun.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant Sweet Autumn Clematis
Sweet autumn clematis is a vigorous twining perennial vine that smothers itself in fragrant white flowers in late summer to fall (NC State: August to October). NOTE: NC State lists it as invasive and aggressive and does not recommend it for any garden, since it escapes by self-seeding, layering, and runners; consider native clematis instead. If grown, plant in spring in full sun to part shade and cut it back hard.
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open Sweet Autumn Clematis in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Full sun
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Hardiness
- Zones 5a to 9aFind my hardiness zone
Common problems
Watch for these
Also watch for: invasive, leaf spot.
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- Clematis terniflora (Sweet Autumn Clematis, Japanese Clematis, Yam-Leaved Clematis)
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (NC State Extension). Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.