re: Indian Hawthorn alternative?

Indian hawthorns are no longer recommended in our area due to the prevalence of disease that hits them. They do well and can tolerate the heat, but certain fungi have really taken off in Louisiana and it seems at some point, they all succumb.

I have the vintage jade distillium and they are a fine specimen. They have a different look that traditional bushes around here. The grow pretty fast as well. I did lose two in one spot over the course of a few years. More than likely something in that particular spot than a worry about their hardiness in our climate.

My favorite shrub is the Shi Shi Gashira camillias. They are slow growing, but they always look healthy and rarely have pest issues. I recommend it to all of my friends. It can adapt to full sun, but prefers partial shade.