Plant Profile: Breynia disticha

Snowbush is a perennial shrub native to the tropical Pacific Islands, known for its striking variegated leaves and vibrant red stems. In its natural environment, it is commonly utilized for creating hedges. This shrub typically reaches heights and widths of 2 to 4 feet, exhibiting a rounded or vase-like shape. There are also cultivars featuring pink and white mottling on their foliage.

For optimal growth, Snowbush thrives in moist, average to fertile soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. In North Carolina, it can serve as a decorative container plant in gardens or on patios, but it must be moved indoors during the winter months. The low humidity levels typical of indoor environments in winter can lead to leaf drop, making greenhouses the ideal setting for overwintering this plant.