Breynia disticha or Snow Bush, as it is commonly known among gardeners, is a compact and evergreen shrub from tropical climates across the Americas, Africa, the Indian Sub-continent and Australia. However, it is easily cultivated in colder climates as well.

Breynia disticha/ Image by Forest & Kim Starr

Breynia disticha makes an excellent plant for borders where it grows as a small shrub (up to 4 feet) and produces beautiful foliage of green, white and pink colors. The colorful foliage, ease of cultivation and the ability to grow in a wide range of climates make Snow Bush a useful plant for landscapes as well as indoor and outdoor containers. It can also be used as colorful evergreen hedge or as a dwarf shrub for filling unused spaces.

Snow Bush growing as hedge/ Image by Forest & Kim Starr

Breynia disticha prefers filtered sunlight, rich soil and slightly moist soil. The plant grows quickly and is cultivated from softwood cuttings or suckers. Flowers of Snow Bush are inconspicuous but the foliage is quite attractive and colorful throughout the year.