Lyn, any clematis can be used as a ground cover plant. Most clematis will attach themselves to any vertical surface and climb upwards if they encounter such a support so if you plant SAC the plant will do so. As a plant matures, it will mound up as new basal shoots emerge from its crown and grow out from the center of the plant. If you want to help the mounding action somewhat, plant the SAC so it will grow over an old stump or even some device you construct out of chicken wire or old fencing.

Yes, just remember that generally speaking, the less sunlight a plant gets, the smaller and less number of blooms the plant may produce. Part shade is a requirement in the southern states like Texas but lucky you.... that you are in a state where paniculatas can be grown in full sun. Pick a spot where you can give the plant anywhere from two hours to full sun. I saw quite a bit of them planted as trees beside houses in MA and NH last October. Indirect sunlight also counts so, some people raise the canopy of trees when planting part shade shrubs. Others make use of sunlight that bounces off walls and off cemented driveways. The specimens that I saw had turned their blooms pink by then but, in pictures, the blooms look awesome going through the color change from white to green and then pinkish. Enjoy your new shrub, Luis

Dazed77 -- Sweet autumn clematis has 1/2-2/3" white flowers that bloom late August/September. Looks like this: Not sure what your clematis might be -- there's a huge world of them! This is one of the most common, a Jackmanii: If you really want to track down what type it is, post a picture or a description on the clematis forum. They're experts!

Have you ever lived in FL, gardengal? I've never lived in the PNW, but I would not presume to tell anyone there how to grow things, because it's nothing like what I'm used to. Just wondering where you get your knowledge of FL gardening? Starting seeds here is not quite the same as anywhere else, in fact, starting seeds in N. FL is different from starting seeds in S. FL.