Cait's Garden

Sweet Autumn Clematis is one of the few things we Zone 5 gardeners have to look forward to in September. This vine doesn’t start blooming until late August and continues until a hard frost. As you can see, the tiny, star-like white flowers form clouds all over the vine. And the flowers, as the name would imply, have a sweet, honeysuckle scent. This vine does well in sun or part-shade and tolerates all sorts of growing conditions. To keep it full, trim in the spring. One note, this vine propagates by seed, so you do end up getting many little baby vines starting up every year. But I think the risk is worth it. And in the interest of full disclosure, the photo above was taken in my mother’s yard. I have recently started growing my own vine (from a seedling from her yard) and it is not yet ready for its close-up. However, I look forward to hiding more of my unattractive chain link fence with this helpful vine next season.