If you know the genus and species of this month’s mystery plant, you could win a free year’s subscription to Fine Gardening. Send your entry, along with your complete mailing address, by August 31, 2008 to [email protected]. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries.

Last month’s mystery plant was Clematis integrifolia, otherwise known as solitary clematis. Solitary clematis is a bush-type, non-vining clematis that grows to 2 feet tall and wide. Its bell-shaped blue flowers emerge in summer, followed by silvery tan, fluffy seedheads that are just as charming.  Broad, glossy green leaves have a bolder texture than most clematis. Solitary clematis is native to central Europe and is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 11. It prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil and should be pruned back to 6 to 8 inches tall before new growth begins in spring. Teresa C. Festa of Manakin Sabot, Virginia, was chosen at random from all correct entries to receive a free one-year subscription to Fine Gardening. Congratulations, Teresa!

What eLetter subscribers have to say about Clematis integrifolia:

“I have two of them in full bloom, and they’ve never been as pretty as they are now.”
—Joyce A. Mahajan

“I love this bush clematis. It has a long bloom time and is so easy to take care of.”
—Carolyn McKnight

“It’s great clambering through & over other perennials.”
—Edith Moro

Contest Rules

The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries. The correct answer and winner will be announced on the following eLetter’s contest page. In the event there is no correct response, no prize will be awarded. The Taunton Press is not responsible for system breakdowns or lost emails.

This contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older. Employees, officers, and directors of The Taunton Press, its subsidiaries, affiliated companies, dealers, advertising and promotion agencies, their respective employees, officers, directors and agents, and those associated with the development, distribution or implementation of this Contest, their immediate families (including parents, in-laws, siblings, children or spouse, regardless of where they live) and members of the same household, whether related or not, are not eligible to participate. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Winners agree to allow The Taunton Press to use their name in conjunction with this contest and subsequent promotion.

Prize:
The winner will receive a free one-year subscription to Fine Gardening magazine. If the winner is a current subscriber, a year will be added to his/her subscription term. The prize is non-transferable, and no cash substitutions will be made. The total value of this prize is $29.95. All taxes are the responsibility of the prize winner.