Breynia disticha: Snowbush, Hawaiian Snowbush, Snow-on the-Mountain

This Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ publication is part of a series originally written by Edward F. Gilman. Visit https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ to learn more about creating and maintaining attractive landscapes that protect Florida's water resources and environment.

Introduction

Snowbush is a vase-shaped evergreen shrub that is used primarily for its attractive foliage. This plant reaches a height of 2 to 10 feet and spread of 3 to 6 feet (Figure 1). Snowbush has ovate foliage that may be white, green, red, pink, or variegated in coloration. Plants appear to differ in foliage coloration with some showing almost pink to red new growth and others with a white and green variegation. The simple leaves are somewhat two-ranked and could appear to be pinnately compound at first glance. The red branches of this shrub are slender, wiry and appear to zig-zag (Figure 2). Snowbush has inconspicuous green, petal-less flowers that occur in axillary clusters on long peduncles (Figures 3 and 4); the flowers are often overlooked due to their location and the striking foliage of the plant. Various cultivars exist with interestingly colored foliage and compact growth forms. Snowbush is well-suited for use in a container or above-ground planter, as a specimen or border, or as an informal hedge.

General Information

Scientific name: Breynia disticha

Other name(s): Phyllanthus nivosus (synonym)

Pronunciation: BRAY-nee-uh DISS-stick-uh

Common name(s): snowbush, snow-on-the-mountain, Hawaiian snowbush

Family: Phyllanthaceae

Plant type: shrub

USDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11B (Figures 5 and 6)

Planting month for zones 10 and 11: year-round

Origin: not native to North America

Uses: specimen; superior hedge; suitable for growing indoors; border; foundation; mass planting; container

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant

Description

Height: 2 to 10 feet

Spread: 3 to 6 feet

Plant habit: vase shaped

Plant density: moderate

Growth rate: moderate

Texture: medium

Use and Management

This shrub may be used as a specimen, and it also forms a nice hedge. Given enough room to expand its canopy, a single, unpruned specimen forms an attractive vase shape. It can also make for an accent in a shrub border. Branches are flexible enough to drape over a wall.

Snowbush will grow well on a wide range of soils but requires a full sun position in the landscape to maintain dense growth. Full sun causes variegation and coloration to be more intense. Plants may also be in partial shade, but the plant may experience leggy growth. This plant is tolerant of light, sandy soils but will not tolerate salt.

Propagation is by cuttings and sucker divisions.

Design Considerations

Snowbush brings a soft, fine-textured look to the landscape with its informal appeal. It is a staple in informal garden designs, prized for its airy structure and the striking pink, white, and green mottling on its new growth. Use it as a single accent plant where its unique coloration can be appreciated up close, or mass it in groups for a full, layered effect. Allow the plant to grow into its natural, arching form rather than shearing it into a rigid shape, which would disrupt its delicate appearance. Pair snowbush with plants that offer contrasting forms or complementary colors. Lady palm provides a dark green backdrop that makes the pink and white variegation pop. For textural contrast, consider the fine, strappy leaves of liriope or the blue-gray foliage and flowers of Blue Daze, which can be planted at its base.

Pests and Diseases

Pest issues (minor) include caterpillars and mites. No diseases of major concern.