However, there is one tropical species – C. Most species are native to temperate regions, with deciduous vines hailing from colder climates and the less-hardy evergreens being indigenous to warmer regions. But there are also the sprawling early varieties that can stretch out an impressive 20 to 40 feet.ĭepending on the species, growth is either deciduous or evergreen. The small, herbaceous types grow only a few feet and many of the showy summer varieties are in the range of eight to 15 feet. However, most of the summer-flowering group are without scent, with a few exceptions – ‘Fragrant Star,’ ‘Pacific Cup,’ and ‘Sweet Summer Love’ are noted for their sweet perfume. Some flowers feature a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance such as the early-flowering C. And in early spring, hummingbirds often collect the remaining silky threads for nesting material. Many also feature prominent, showy seed heads in autumn with swirling, silken threads that last into winter, giving multiple seasons of interest. Flower size and orientation also varies, ranging from small, nodding bells to massive, open-faced pinwheels. If easy-care vines covered in flowers sound like something your garden needs, then let’s dig into the complete clematis growing guide!įlower colors include blue, gold, lavender, pink, purple, red, yellow, and white. And yes, a bit of extra attention when planting will make a big difference in their ongoing performance.īut once established, the brilliant yearly masses of climbing, tumbling flowers will make you forget all about that little bit of extra initial effort.Įven pruning clematis is easy – it’s true! Once you know our easy-to-remember pruning tip, that is… keep reading for that. It’s true that they’re finicky about where they like to set their roots. Flower sizes range from small and delicate to large plate-sized blossoms, and some even fill the air with sweet perfume.įlowering times range from late winter right through to autumn, with certain species putting on two command performances over the growing season!Īnd they come in a great variety of sizes suitable for a myriad of settings that includes borders, containers, ground covers, screens, and trellises.īut, they do have a reputation for being a bit difficult to grow – with confusion over pruning being the main reason.ĭespite rumors to the contrary, clematis vines are vigorous, reliable ornamentals and they are simple to cultivate with little effort. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Return to the Table of Contents | Download a PDF of Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural AreasĪnd questions about the website should be directed to the webmaster.We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. The much cultivated and highly popular ornamental Clematis vines with large, showy flowers in a wide variety of colors from white to rose to purple, typically with eight or more petals, have not been reported to be invasive. virginiana), the species most likely to be confused with sweet autumn virginsbower due to its similar looking white flowers, has leaves that are compound and toothed. Look-alikes: There are dozens of native species of Clematis in the U.S.Flowers, fruits and seeds: flowers are produced late summer through fall flowers are white with four petals seeds are produced in profusion and are showy due to long, silvery-gray, feather-like hairs attached.

long and have entire (non-toothed) margins.

Leaves: opposite, compound 3 leaflets leaflets are 2-3 in.

Plant: climbing, deciduous to semi-evergreen, perennial vine.In late summer infestations are conspicuous as a result of its abundant showy white flowers. It grows vigorously over other vegetation, forming dense blankets that block sunlight to the plants underneath. This species is found invading forest edges, right-of-ways and urban areas along streams and roads. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It has been reported to be invasive in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, although it is probably invasive in additional states where it occurs. from Minnesota to Vermont, south to Texas and Florida. Sweet autumn virginsbower is documented to occur in much of the eastern U.S. Sweet autumn virginsbower was introduced into the United States as an ornamental vine and is still widely sold in the nursery trade. Sweet Autumn Virginsbower (Clematis terniflora)