Help identify this bush

9 years ago

Help! Experts, what kind of shrubs or bushes are we working with here? We are in zone 7b. Some of the leaves have since turned red, are thinning, and have brown spots, which I'm not sure is supposed to happen. I'm considering a facelift for the front yard, as I'm not in love with the bushes. Thanks in advance for your help!

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Comments (9)

Embothrium
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
So far they look (and sound) like Rhaphiolepis. Note that with plant identification questions it is best to post good close views, such as ones where an individual specimen nearly fills the frame.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
are you afraid of them.. get some closer pix of the plant.. rather than that gorgeous facade .... actually seeing a leaf and a branch would help ...

but what i see here.. is that whoever planted them.. spaced the perfectly for the size they were at sale.. with no real concept of their growth potential ...

should you call a redo ... think about that.. unless you want a lifetime of pruning ...

understand.. that foundation plantings are planted to hide the foundation.... not be on the foundation ...

also understand.. all plants lose leaves.. even evergreen type .. its cyclical.. and varies year to year ... so your words leave us unable to discuss that ...

if you want some planning ideas for a redo ... start a new post.. titled as such.. and include pix of the whole front ... and again.. the garden.. not so much the house... i suspect not much land between the house the the sidewalk/street ...

ken
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Michelle
Original Author
9 years ago
Here's a close-up of the leaves. I was just being lazy, sorry! Thanks for the quick response. I'm definitely removing the Nandina; I just don't know what to replace it with. Do you have suggestions?
Embothrium
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Definitely Rhaphiolepis. For useful suggestions indicate geographic location (USDA Hardiness Zones only tell how cold it gets).
Michelle
Original Author
9 years ago
Raleigh, NC.
Embothrium
9 years ago
You might see something you like at this place.

https://jcra.ncsu.edu
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
is there landscaping fabric on the lawn side of the plant ... if so.. that might be one reason for the plants problems.. if so.. remove it all when you call a redo ... and never use it.. ever ....

ken
Sara Malone Zone 9b
9 years ago
The red is normal and the spotting is due to a fungus. This species is incredibly prone to this leaf spot. I wouldn't ever plant it for that reason alone.
Michelle
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks everyone for your feedback. I had a local landscaper come by the house and confirmed everything that was mentioned on here. It's Indian Hawthorn, very commonly used, and succumbing to the fungus which is currently an epidemic. The plant will die in a few years, so it's not worth treating in the long run. And no, the landscaping fabric isn't that effective in preventing weeds and therefore not necessary to replace. Hope this information helps others!