Sometimes called Japanese clematis, sweet autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora) is a twining, semi-woody vine grown for its starry white flowers and feathery, highly ornamental seed pods. It thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 10, and it is semi-evergreen in frost free areas. Sweet autumn clematis grows well from seed, although the seeds germinate erratically and often produce vines with fewer, less fragrant flowers than those started from cuttings. The seeds must be chilled to break their dormancy and allow for prompt, successful germination, although they are otherwise easy to grow if planted in moist, sterile medium.
Growing Instructions for the Sweet Autumn Clematis
The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted in the fall for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for two months. 2. Fill a pot with potting soil. 3. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. 4. Water the container and leave it to drain. 5. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area. 6. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet. 7. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.