Cultivar 354: Perfection

Perfection is a prairie plum listed in Saskatchewan introduction records as selection P54-32. It is described as a native x Prunus salicina seedling from mixed open pollination and was introduced by the University of Saskatchewan in 1960.[S5] The fruit is described as up to about 1 1/2 inches across under non irrigated Saskatoon field conditions, slightly flattened, dark red, and firm fleshed, with rich flavor. The same source calls it the best in quality among that group of introductions.[S5]

The history is not fully settled. University of Saskatchewan release notes treat Perfection as a 1960 introduction from its breeding program.[S5] A later prairie cultivar index instead lists Perfection as a 'Pabst' seedling from Gaybird Nursery at Wawanesa, Manitoba.[S1] These records do not match, and the packet does not resolve whether they refer to the same plum or reflect conflicting attribution carried forward under the same name.[S1] [S5]

The available evidence points to a late plum valued more for fresh quality than for large market size. The Saskatoon description places it in late September and emphasizes firmness and rich eating quality.[S5] A later Saskatchewan evaluation grouped Perfection with several other University of Saskatchewan introductions that were considered inferior to stronger introductions because of lack of size.[S2] That fits the contrast in the sources: high quality, but not notably large.[S2] [S5]

The packet offers little on tree habit, bearing, or disease, and it gives no direct zone rating. The narrower point is that Perfection was described and evaluated in prairie Canada, with field notes tied to Saskatoon and later Saskatchewan performance commentary.[S2] [S5] In the archive, it appears as one of the University of Saskatchewan plum introductions from the mid twentieth century, though the conflicting Manitoba nursery record means its exact origin story should be treated cautiously until more primary material is found.[S1] [S5]

Summary source basis

• S1: An index of fruit cultivars tested or developed on the Canadian prairies.
• S2: hortfacts_1976_3.pdf
• S3: PERENNIALS - The Northwest Nursery Co.
• S4: Hardy fruits for Northern planting, trees, shrubs, 1937
• S5: University of Saskatchewan fruit introductions 1959-1960

This summary currently draws chiefly from University of Saskatchewan fruit introductions 1959-1960, with 3 additional supporting sources linked below.

Featured source descriptions

“Deemed inferior to other introductions because of lack of size.”
— ^[4]

Direct parent cultivars

• No direct linked parent cultivars promoted yet.

Parentage claim text

• Parentage listed as Native x P. salicina; mixed open pollination.

Derived or downstream cultivar links

• No derived or downstream lineage links yet.

Source-story quotations

• P54-32 Perfection Native x P. salicina Mixed open pollination 1960 Fruit up to 1 1/2" each way ... slightly flattened, dark red, flesh firm, rich, the best in quality, season late September.University of Saskatchewan fruit introductions 1959-1960, p8
• P54-32 Perfection Native x P. salicina Mixed open pollination 1960 Fruit up to 1 1/2" each way ... slightly flattened, dark red, flesh firm, rich, the best in quality, season late September.University of Saskatchewan fruit introductions 1959-1960, p8
• P54-32 Perfection Native x P. salicina Mixed open pollination 1960 Fruit up to 1 1/2" each way ... slightly flattened, dark red, flesh firm, rich, the best in quality, season late September.University of Saskatchewan fruit introductions 1959-1960, p8
• P54-32 Perfection Native x P. salicina Mixed open pollination 1960 Fruit up to 1 1/2" each way ... slightly flattened, dark red, flesh firm, rich, the best in quality, season late September.University of Saskatchewan fruit introductions 1959-1960, p8

Taxonomy context: No family-tree context surfaced yet.

Related cultivars mentioned in source context