All of my Indian Hawthorne shrubs are dead. We had prolonged cold and six inches of snow which was the first in 60 years. Any suggestions for attractive cold hardy shrubs to take their place? I am just a few miles inland from the Gulf of America. Thanks

How about a skip Laurel? There are several shrub varieties, I believe.

-Rob

Holly bushes.

quote:

Originally posted by BurtonRW:
How about a skip Laurel? There are several shrub varieties, I believe.

Hey Rob,

Next time you're by my house remind me to show you what happens to Schip Laurel when not aggressively managed. It's not bamboo, but it's not pretty either.

WRT to the OP, you want thorns/prickles, or tame? Either way, Hollies are usually a decent choice, if a little on the spendy side. Most of them are also slower growing than you might wish.

Which gets back to meat of the matter, is this intended to be a true barrier hedge (that someone challenging it will end up regretting), or just a suggested barrier? Hedge or foundation planting? How soon from planting a 6" seedling to a reasonably-sized plant are you seeking? Undoubtedly, your best options in Zone 9 are different from those we have here in Zone 6.5. It never hurts to ask your local extension agent for a recommendation.

Many people are very happy with those varieties of Jap. Holly that mimic the traditional English Box. The latter is a premium selection as well, if you can $pend the ducat$, or even find a nursery that grows it these days.

My neighbor who has offered to put in the bushes hates hollies. THe three I have constantly drop berries and attract mockingbirds. I am looking for a foundation planting that needs little maintenance.Thanks

This is probably an overly obvious suggestion, but have you considered Azaleas?

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
All of my Indian Hawthorne shrubs are dead. We had prolonged cold and six inches of snow which was the first in 60 years. Any suggestions for attractive cold hardy shrubs to take their place? I am just a few miles inland from the Gulf of America. Thanks

If you like those plants, put the same stuff back, now that you know a freeze will kill them, you'll know to cover them with old sheets over night or in freezing temps.

I love Azaleas but they don't like being in places that need to be maintained into nice hedges. They are best left to grow and do their thing. Pruning them will cut off future blooms.

If it's an area where you can let them do their thing and just do a little hand pruning then Azaleas are my choice as well.. These were planted two years ago, and had a great bloom season...

quote:

If you like those plants, put the same stuff back, now that you know a freeze will kill them, you'll know to cover them with old sheets over night or in freezing temps.

^^^^^^^^^^^^
I forgot to mention they were afflicted with a variety of sooty mold. The ligustrums and two camelias are doing well.
Thanks for the suggestions.

Forgot to put the pictures in LOL these are fairly young, some are doing better than others however I haven't trimmed those that bloomed pink.

These were replacements for other plants that were not doing well, eventually the pool equipment won't be visible.

Rock Rose

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
The ligustrums and two camelias are doing well.
Thanks for the suggestions.

I put sunshine ligistrums in and they've done great, even in my crappy rocky ground up here. Best part is they are about the only thing the deer won't eat. They over-winter well too.

Limoncello barberries are nice as well.