The Evergreen Brazilian Pepper might well be the perfect patio tree. Though related to the California pepper, it is quite a different specimen in many ways. It grows 15 to 25 feet tall, is a neat, symmetrical, round-headed tree, its branches erect and spreading wide, often to 25 feet.

When matured it has a contour like a wide-spreading umbrella. The leaves are much larger, broader and a darker green than the California pepper and its berries are larger and a deeper red tone. The leaves and branches are not pendulous.

The tree is hardy, does equally well in hot places as it does near the coast. Because it is deeprooted. there is no need to worry that the roots may loosen a cement or brick patio floor.

A beautiful tree, when in bloom in late spring and early summer, it is festooned with dancing cream-white flower clusters. Later, in fall and through the Christmas season the branches are hung with clusters of large rich red berries.

For best results, provide the tree with plenty of water, especially when in flower and during the summer and hot fall months. Plant it in full sun in a deep rich loam.