How to Grow Autumn White Clematis

Cover unsightly chain link fencing, ugly walls or other structures with fragrant flowers that bloom late in the growing season. Clematis terniflora, or sweet autumn clematis, is a self-seeding flowering vine that grows vigorously, providing privacy and camouflage where desired. The plant features dark green leaves and star-shaped white flowers. Sweet autumn clematis blooms late August through October.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Shovel
• Compost or manure
• Support structure

1. Prepare the soil location where you intend to plant your autumn white clematis. Amend an area that is approximately 2 feet deep and 3 feet wide. Ohio State University recommends replacing approximately one-third of the soil’s volume with manure or compost to enhance drainage and increase the soil’s aeration.
2. Add support for your new clematis plant or select a location with an existing support structure. Sweet autumn clematis boasts vigorous growth that will easily cover an arbor or mask an unsightly area within one growing season. Adding support for the clematis will prevent it from creeping along the ground to become invasive. Autumn white clematis self seeds and will spread throughout a large area if allowed to spread.
3. Dig a hole that is deep and wide enough to fit the plant’s existing root system. Cut the existing stems back to heights of 1 foot to encourage branching while the clematis grows.
4. Place the plant in the hole so that the crown rests between 1 and 2 inches below the surface of the soil. The depth is adequate to protect the clematis from accidental mowing or potential damage. Fill the remainder of the hole with your soil mixture, then gently firm and water thoroughly to allow the soil to settle around the plant’s root system.
5. Water regularly and deeply. Because of the deep root system, sweet autumn clematis prefers regular, thorough watering. Add 1 inch of water per week throughout the growing season.
6. Place 2 inches of mulch around the plant to encourage the soil to remain at an even temperature and to aid water retention. Freshen the layer of mulch in autumn to provide adequate winter protection. Avoid layering materials too close to the crown.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant in a location that receives six or more hours of full sunlight. Although sweet autumn clematis will bloom in shady conditions, the plant prefers full sunlight.

• Prune autumn white clematis in February or March to encourage proper growth and abundant flowering in the upcoming growing season. Cut each stem back to heights of 2 or 3 feet. This will prevent the plant from taking over your entire garden.