Clematis terniflora var. mandshurica
herbaceous clematis (group 3) (syn. Clematis mandschurica)
This climber is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Clematis terniflora var. mandshurica is a vigorous, scrambling clematis that bears sweetly scented, star-shaped, white flowers, which appear from midsummer, followed by pretty seed-heads. A herbaceous clematis, which does not climb unaided, it looks wonderful spilling over plants towards the back of a mixed border. Alternatively, you can tie the slender stems onto a support such as a trellis or framework of pea sticks.
Clematis are happiest when their roots are kept cool and moist, so try to plant them where that the base of the plants will be lightly shaded by other, lower-growing species. Otherwise, use a clematis root protector, or top-dress the rootball (avoiding the immediate crown), with a generous layer of shingle or pebbles. This clematis is herbaceous and will die back during the winter to emerge again during the spring - remove spent stems and foliage to the ground in February, and apply a thick layer of mulch to suppress weeds, feed the soil, and keep the root area moist and cool for the growing season ahead.
- Humans: Skin irritant; Pets: Harmful if eaten