Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers with abundant nectar and Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora) is a vine that produces masses of sweetly-scented white flowers late in the season. This makes it a good candidate as a late season hummingbird attractor. In this article, we’ll examine the evidence on whether hummingbirds actively seek out and feed from Sweet Autumn Clematis.
What are hummingbirds attracted to?
Hummingbirds feed on the nectar from flowers using their specialized long, slender beaks. They prefer flowers that produce large amounts of high-sugar nectar. Some other characteristics that attract hummingbirds are:
- Bright, solid colors like red, orange, pink or purple
- Tubular or trumpet shaped blooms that fit their beaks
- Lack of scent (they are not attracted to fragrances)
- Mass blooming – large clusters or groups of blooms
Hummingbirds rely on vision (not smell) to locate food sources. They can see the color red very well, so red, tubular flowers are highly attractive.
About sweet autumn clematis
Sweet Autumn Clematis is a fast-growing vine that can reach 20-30 feet in length. It blooms vigorously in late summer through fall. The characteristics of its flowers include:
- White or cream colored blooms
- Sweet, vanilla-like fragrance
- Small, star-shaped individual flowers
- Flowers in clusters of 15-30 blooms
- Each flower 1/2 – 3/4 inches wide
The nectar content per flower is relatively low, but the mass blooming characteristic provides plentiful nectar for pollinators.
Do hummingbirds feed on sweet autumn clematis?
Several sources indicate that hummingbirds do indeed feed on and pollinate sweet autumn clematis:
- University of Illinois Extension identifies it as an excellent late season hummingbird plant.
- The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center notes that is “frequently visited by hummingbirds.”
- The Missouri Botanical Garden lists is as attracting hummingbirds.
- Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History includes it among plants to attract hummingbirds.
In addition, home gardeners report frequently seeing hummingbirds feeding on the blooms in their yards. With its late season blooming and mass floral display, sweet autumn clematis appears to provide a good source of nectar when fewer summer flowers are available. The key factors that make it attractive are the high volume of flowers and availability of nectar, rather than the appeal of the individual small, white blooms.
How does sweet autumn clematis compare to other hummingbird flowers?
While hummingbirds clearly feed on sweet autumn clematis, how does it compare to more traditional, red tubular flowers in terms of attracting hummers?
There are no scientific studies comparing the appeal and nectar consumption from sweet autumn clematis versus classic hummingbird favorites. However, we can make some educated guesses based on the typical characteristics preferred by hummingbirds.
| Flower | Color | Shape | Bloom Time | Nectar Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinal Flower | Bright red | Tubular | Summer | High |
| Bee Balm | Red | Tubular | Summer | High |
| Trumpet Vine | Red/orange | Tubular | Summer | High |
| Sweet Autumn Clematis | White | 4-petaled | Late Summer/Fall | Low-moderate (but mass blooming) |
Key points of comparison:
- Preferred red tubular flowers produce more nectar per flower.
- Red color and shape strongly attract hummingbirds.
- Sweet autumn clematis has small, white flowers with lower individual nectar content.
- It wins by producing enormous numbers of modest flowers.
The red tubular flowers will likely be more sought after and dominate hummingbird activity when both are present. However, in late summer when the preferred flowers have waned, sweet autumn clematis provides needed food. Its mass floral display makes up for lower per-flower appeal and nectar.
Advantages of sweet autumn clematis
Some key advantages of sweet autumn clematis for late season hummingbirds:
- Blooms for 2-3 months in late summer and fall when natural food sources are declining.
- Each cluster produces 15-30 small flowers, providing plentiful nectar.
- Vigorous grower and bloomer even in partial shade.
- Hardy even in cold winter climates.
It lacks the visual appeal of red tubular flowers, but makes up for it with profuse blooms right when hummingbirds need them.
Disadvantages of sweet autumn clematis
Some potential drawbacks of relying on sweet autumn clematis include:
- Relatively short bloom time, around 2-3 months.
- Individual flowers not as attractive as hummingbird favorites.
- Can spread aggressively – may need pruning to keep it in bounds.
- Provides limited food once flowering ends.
Gardeners will need to plan additional flowers before and after its bloom period to provide nectar. Due to its potentially aggressive spreading, it requires monitoring to keep it under control.
How to use sweet autumn clematis to attract hummingbirds
Here are some tips for using sweet autumn clematis to bring in hummingbirds:
Plant it in combination with other hummingbird flowers
Choose early and late bloomers to provide nectar before and after its fall flowering:
- Early – Bee balm, cardinal flower, trumpet vine
- Late – Fuchsia, coral honeysuckle, cypress vine
The combination of flowers will feed hummers throughout the season. Plant it near tubular red flowers so hummingbirds become accustomed to visiting the area.
Provide proper support for growth
This fast growing vine needs a sturdy trellis, fence or arbor to climb on. Plan for growth up to 30 feet tall. Prune regularly to keep its growth under control.
Allow room for masses of blooms
Space plants 3-6 feet apart depending on support structure. Give it room to fill in with flowers. Plant in groups for high impact.
Site it properly
Sweet autumn clematis thrives in full sun but will grow in partial shade. For easiest care, plant in somewhat moist, well-drained soil. It is fairly adaptable however.
Feed the soil
Enrich the soil with compost or manure to encourage vigorous growth and maximize blooms. Avoid fertilizer high in nitrogen.
Propagate for more plants
Easily increase your stock by layering vines or taking cuttings to root new plants. Share with gardening friends.
Conclusion
While sweet autumn clematis lacks the visual pizzazz of bright red tubular flowers, hummingbirds readily visit the small white blooms for nectar, especially in late summer when other nectar sources are declining. Its vigorous growth, cold hardiness, and month-long bloom period make it a great addition alongside classic hummingbird flowers. Plan site and supports properly to prevent aggressive spreading. Then enjoy the sight of hummingbirds flocking to the vines in fall. The profuse white blooms will signal that autumn has arrived.
