“Sweet Autumn Clematis Season”, a copyrighted post, was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
Yesterday was another day of rain – over an inch and a half. It wasn’t really needed, but it was appreciated. The garden and esp. the weeds seem to have taken off with all the rain we have been having lately.
One indication that we are starting to see the end of summer is the blooming of the sweet autumn clematis. I noticed today that one of mine is just starting to bloom. In a week or so, it will be covered in white blooms.
This is a very vigorous and fast growing vine. In late summer, early fall, the white flowers thickly cover the vine and make a striking show. This clematis is one of the easiest to grow and does well here. Our heat and humidity is too much for many clematis, but this one thrives here. After the flowers fade, the seed heads are very pretty. They are feathery and a pale beige color. I have started to find that this clematis self seeds well. Little plants are beginning to pop up around the garden. Some I just pull up and discard, and others I pot up for any friends and family who want them. When people see the vine in full bloom, they usually want plants or seeds. Because it reproduces so easily by seed, it is considered invasive in some locations. I don’t seem to have a problem controlling the seedlings.
Several years ago, I had a huge sweet autumn clematis growing up a river birch tree. It was spectacular when in bloom. Unfortuantely, the river birch blew over in Katrina and had to be cut down. The clematis is still around, but I haven’t found a place to plant it where it can grow and display its wonderful autumn flowers. I guess that is a task for next year.
When the garden is starting to show signs that summer plantings are a bit past their prime, sweet autumn clematis helps bridge the time until we can put in our cool season plants.
Always Growing 
Carol, May Dreams Gardens said,
August 3, 2008 at 6:51 am
Here in Zone 5, sweet autumn clematis blooms later in August. It does well here, too, and puts on a great show. I don’t have it in my garden, but others nearby do, so perhaps a seedling will show up here and I can nurture it along.
Jan said,
August 3, 2008 at 7:35 am
Carol, this is a great vine. I wouldn’t be surprised if one did show up in your garden one day.
Brenda Kula said,
August 3, 2008 at 11:58 am
Oh, I’m so glad you provided this info, Jan! I’ve been wanting to buy a Clematis for so long, just haven’t done it. Now I know some won’t do well here anyway. I would love a few of those seeds! If you have some you’re willing to part with, email me and I’ll be happy to provide a self-addressed stamped envelope! And whatever else you need!
Brenda
Jan said,
August 3, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Brenda, if I get seeds this year, I will mail you some. The seeds will take a few weeks to appear and then ripen.
Alexandra said,
August 3, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Hi Jan. I hope you had a good Sunday. And I’m glad you liked my “Too Blue” painting. 🙂
*hugs*
Jan said,
August 3, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Alexandra, I hope you had a nice trip this weekend.