This is a short video to show off one of my favorite fall pollinator plants. This is the Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora). The entire yard area smells of sweet vanilla from the blooms of this plant. The plant grows profusely all summer long, with up to 30’ of new growth, and then blooms in early fall for two to three weeks. After it has finished blooming it is covered with tiny silvery seeds. At that time the plant can be cut back to within two or three feet of the ground and left dormant for the winter months. Come spring, it will start sending out new shoots and grow back to the size of this one now.
The Sweet Autumn Clematis is hardy in zones 4 through 9, and is an beautiful fall flowering plant to attract many different pollinators. It has to have a very strong trellis or fence to grow on, and it must be planted in an open area where it cannot smother other plants or shrubs.