vine

Manju Sweet Autumn Clematis

Clematis vitalba 'Manju'

The Story

Plant Bio

Clematis terniflora, or Sweet Autumn Clematis, is a vigorous, deciduous climbing vine that is covered in a profusion of fragrant, star-shaped, creamy white flowers in late summer and fall.

'Manju' is a prized cultivar featuring larger flowers than the species. It blooms on both old and new wood, resulting in an extended flowering season.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesA vigorous climber with fragrant, star-shaped flowers that enhance vertical spaces and add lush greenery.
Practical UsesProvides effective privacy screening and windbreaks in gardens.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity.
SpeciesClematis vitalbaOld Man's Beard

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

240 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Japan, China

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets if ingested; can cause skin irritation.

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck sturdy trellises or fences for support, ensuring good airflow around the vines.
  2. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain high humidity and promote rooting.
  3. Plant in rich, well-drained soil with added organic matter for optimal growth.
  4. Water consistently during the first growing season to establish roots.
  5. Prune after flowering to control size and encourage new growth.
  6. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Train Clematis vitalba Manju early on a sturdy support for best display and health.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide full sun for vibrant flowering.
  • Keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
  • Prune annually to promote vigorous growth.
  • Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer.
  • Support with a sturdy trellis or fence.

Don't

  • Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
  • Do not prune in late summer or fall, as it may reduce flowering ❌
  • Do not plant in heavy, poorly-drained soil ❌
  • Avoid excessive fertilization, which can promote leafy growth at expense of flowers ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tall, fragrant hedgeClimbing on arbors and pergolasPrivacy screen with lush greenery

Companion Plants

Roses Lavender Clematis integrifoliaWisteriaHoneysuckle

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Manju Sweet Autumn Clematis questions

What zones can Manju Sweet Autumn Clematis grow in?

Manju Sweet Autumn Clematis is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Manju Sweet Autumn Clematis deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Manju Sweet Autumn Clematis, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Manju Sweet Autumn Clematis bloom?

Manju Sweet Autumn Clematis typically blooms in late summer to fall through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Manju Sweet Autumn Clematis need full sun?

Manju Sweet Autumn Clematis does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Manju Sweet Autumn Clematis drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Manju Sweet Autumn Clematis handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Manju Sweet Autumn Clematis with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.