Will I need to worry about the roots breaking up the sidewalk within the next 10 years? (I am thinking of planting a fairly small tree - maybe 5 ft.) Also, ever heard of a Razzelberri tree? What do you know about them. I live in Houston & planted one about a month ago. No one I know has heard of it. Would like to know what to expect as far as growth, etc.


I do not think that there is any danger of the Bradford pear tree roots causing any problem with the sidewalk. It should make a good tree. It appears that razzleberri is a trademark name under which Monrovia Nursery sells the plant Loropetalum chinensis. See this Web site:
www.smgrowers.com...
Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum 'Blush' - This cultivar was one of the first red flowered forms to hit the nursery trade. It is an exceptionally nice plant that is listed as growing to 6 feet tall to 4-5 ft. wide. In our test garden, our 3 year old plant has reached 4 feet tall and appears more upright and open growing than 'Hines Purpleleaf'. The foliage of 'Blush' emerges a rose-red then turns to a medium green. In our coastal climate, where this plant is always putting on new leaves, this makes for a multi-colored effect and as there are always some green tinged leaves present on this plant, it is more useful in a natural setting than other red leafed forms. The rose-pink flowers are lighter in color and larger than 'Hines Purpleleaf'. This plant appears to be the same plant as marketed under the name Razzleberri (TM) 'Monraz' by Monrovia Nursery. See the discussion regarding the confusion on Loropetalum names following the cultivar descriptions. Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum 'Hines Purpleleaf' - Plum Delight (TM) This plant is a very attractive cultivar retains good dark foliage color year round. Hines nursery describes it as a "rounded evergreen shrub that has gracefully arching branches similar to 'Bridal Wreath' Spirea". Mature size is 6-8 feet tall with a similar spread. The leaves, with a slight undulation through their length, emerge a rosy red and age to a dark bronze. The flowers, with 4 thin dark rose colored petals are clustered at the branch tips - flowers are smaller and darker than the cultivar 'Blush.'


| PLANTanswers.com |