Prunus persica ‘Red Roman’
A Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. cultivar. ‘Flowers large. Fruit of the largest size, frequently measuring eight inches and a quarter in circumference, somewhat globular, and a little flattened at its apex. Skin greenish yellow next the wall, but where exposed to the sun of a deep muddy red or purple colour, somewhat scabrous, with brown russetty specks. Flesh firm, greenish yellow, but very red at the stone, to which it firmly adheres. Juice plentiful, sugary, of a very high and vinous flavour. Ripe the beginning and middle of September.’ [George Lindley – Orchard Guide p.296/1831].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘In many collections Violette Hâtive and Elruge are grown for this variety; but from both of these it is readily distinguished by its flowers, which are large.’ [Hogg – Fruit Manual p.129/1860].
‘The Red Roman Nectarine has been cultivated in our gardens about two centuries, as appears by Parkinson's List in 1629, and is one of the largest and best in our present collections. How it should have been mistaken by practical men I am at a loss to conceive, as a melting fruit has been for years sold in many of our nurseries under this name, although all writers have described it as a Pavie, or Clingstone. At present it is very difficult to be met with; but steps have been taken to render it again plentiful, by furnishing cuttings from a tree I raised thirty years ago, to Mrs. Mackie of Norwich, of whom it may now be had with a degree of certainty.’ [George Lindley – Orchard Guide p.296/1831].
Figured in Pomona Britannica as ‘Roman Nectarine’ [PB pl.XXXIV/1812], the illustration used here.
History at Camden Park
Listed as ‘Red Roman ditto’, meaning nectarine, in all published catalogues [Peach no.11/1843].
Notes
Published Jun 03, 2010 - 02:50 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2011 - 04:34 PM
Prunus persica ‘Red Roman’ | PB pl.XXXIV/1812
| Family | Rosaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Garden origin, probably Italy |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Nectarine, late summer, autumn |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Red Roman ditto
|
| Confidence level | high |