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Prunus persica 'Contender'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
PROO-nus PER-se-kuh
This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

It is a great cold-hardy cultivar that can adapt to temperature falls below zero. It is developed in Raleigh, NC. Self-pollinating with heavy bearing each year.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and a factsheet on common pests.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Prunus persica.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#high maintenance#fruit tree#nci#edible fruits#deciduous tree#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#frequent insect problems#frequent disease problems
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#high maintenance#fruit tree#nci#edible fruits#deciduous tree#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#frequent insect problems#frequent disease problems
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Prunus
    Species:
    persica
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Edibility:
    It produces medium-sized, freestone, red fruit. The flesh is firm, sweet and juicy. Non-browning with excellent quality.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
    Fruit Description:
    It produces medium-sized, freestone, red fruit. The flesh is firm, sweet and juicy. Non-browning with excellent quality. Ripens in mid to late August.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Description:
    The pink flower blooms in the spring and attracts bees.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves are lanceolate shaped, 3-6 inches in length and 0.8-1.2 inches broad. Pinnately veined.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Medium
    Poison Symptoms:
    The pits contain cyanide compounds, which are poisonous. If a couple of pits are accidentally swallowed, it will not cause poisoning. The pits are more poisonous if they are ground up/crushed or the seeds are chewed. Fruit that has not been pitted should not be blended into a smoothie. Symptoms include Gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma, respiratory failure.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    cyanide
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Leaves
    Seeds
    Stems