Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora) is a vigorous, late-blooming vine known for its profusion of fragrant, star-shaped white flowers in late summer and early fall. Originally from Asia, this clematis can grow up to 30 feet, often creating a dense cover on fences, trellises, or arbors. Its late-season blooms emit a sweet vanilla fragrance, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. However, it’s a double-edged sword in the garden: though beautiful, it’s invasive in many parts of the U.S. (including the Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the Southeast), where it can self-seed aggressively and smother nearby plants if left unchecked. Consider alternative native species, like Virgin’s bower (C. virginiana), which offers a similar look but without the invasive risks.
