Sweet Autumn Virginsbower

Clematis terniflora

Native to:
China, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, Ogasawara-shoto, Russia, Taiwan

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Genus:
Clematis
Species:
Clematis terniflora
USDA Symbol:
CLTE4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Vine
Height:
900 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers fertile soils in its native range

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
30–180 days
Notes:
Germination can be erratic and slow. Seeds may benefit from light exposure during germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Tails on pulsatilla/clematis: leaving on has no effect.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society