Breynia Species, Snow Bush, Snow-on-the-Mountain, Sweetpea Bush

Breyniadisticha

Family
Euphorbiaceae (yoo-for-bee-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Breynia (BRAY-nee-uh)
Species
disticha (DIS-tik-uh)
Synonym
Breynia nivosa
Phyllanthus nivosus
Sun Exposure
Light Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Evergreen
Good Fall Color
Height
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Spacing
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Bloom Color
Pale Green
Chartreuse (yellow-green)
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Mid Winter
Other Details
Category
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Bronze
Where to Grow
Suitable for growing in containers
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
From semi-hardwood cuttings
Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Remove fleshy coating on seeds before storing
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Imperial Beach, California

Laguna Niguel, California

Petaluma, California

Santa Barbara, California

Bartow, Florida

Big Pine Key, Florida

Boca Raton, Florida(2 reports)

Bradenton, Florida

Cape Coral, Florida

Cocoa Beach, Florida

Daytona Beach, Florida

Delray Beach, Florida

Dunnellon, Florida

Englewood, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida(2 reports)

Fort Mc Coy, Florida

Hollywood, Florida

Maitland, Florida

Malabar, Florida

Melbourne, Florida

Miami, Florida

New Port Richey, Florida

North Fort Myers, Florida

North Port, Florida

Oakland, Florida

Ocala, Florida

Oldsmar, Florida

Pinellas Park, Florida

Plant City, Florida

Pompano Beach, Florida

Rotonda West, Florida

Sanford, Florida

Sarasota, Florida

Sebring, Florida

Stuart, Florida

Valrico, Florida

West Palm Beach, Florida

Winter Haven, Florida

Winter Springs, Florida

Honomu, Hawaii

Canyon Lake, Texas

Desoto, Texas

Galveston, Texas

Houston, Texas

Mission, Texas

show all

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

20
positives
7
neutrals
4
negatives
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K
Laguna Niguel, CA | November 2017 | positive

I bought a potted plant and haven’t repotted it yet. It is indoors and I’ve had it about 2 months. This plant requires more water tha...Read More

C
Durham, NC | October 2016 | positive

I have had a potted Breynia for more than ten years in zone 7b. At one time it was more than four foot tall. However, we were surprised...Read More

N
Oroville East, CA | April 2016 | positive

I used to have this beautiful shrub in Brazil. It is very easy to grow there and it did very well even in full sun and 95*F weather. Man...Read More

B
Charlotte, NC | May 2014 | negative

First let me begin by saying this is a beautiful plant in the right conditions. I live in zone 8 and have tried to grown this plant outsi...Read More

L
Hampstead, NC | April 2014 | neutral

Does anyone know if deer will eat this plant? We have a lot of them roaming our neighborhood in NC. I just planted one, and I am hoping...Read More

A
| June 2012 | positive

I bought an Hawaiian Snow Bush about six months ago during the Australian summer. Was told it was called a Confetti Bush, and only learnt...Read More

W
New Port Richey, FL (Zone 9b) | August 2011 | positive

I've had one plant for 3 years in New Port Richey, FL and it does not tolerate the occasional cold snaps that we have. It'll drop all of ...Read More

T
Canyon Lake, TX | September 2010 | neutral

I purchased two of these gorgeous shrubs a few months ago. They're still in the pots. During the short time I have owned them, all of the...Read More

K
Northwest, OH (Zone 5b) | August 2009 | neutral

I would really love more information on how to grow this as a houseplant, which is the only way up north. They are sold as houseplants he...Read More

C
Sebring, FL (Zone 9a) | May 2009 | negative

We planted a few bushes about 5 years ago, not realizing just how invasive these were. Cutting them just made them bushier (albeit pretti...Read More

N
Oldsmar, FL (Zone 9b) | May 2009 | positive

The "worms" are the Snowbush Catapillar/Spanworm or Melanchroia chephise, which will then become the Snowbush Moth. From what i've read,...Read More

J
J
Englewood, FL | April 2009 | neutral

It is invasive, but I keep it under control, my problem today is hundreds of little gray & yellow worms that have eaten every leaf, I tho...Read More

M
Boca Raton, FL | October 2008 | neutral

Very likable bush appears quite delicate, however is anything but. It is a fast grower and will do so anywhere I put it. Seems to enjoy w...Read More

T
T
Miami, FL | September 2007 | negative

This plant is invasive in South Florida. Propagation is by seeds and roots. Seeds and roots will sprout year round. Has the ability to sp...Read More

D
Tustin, CA | September 2005 | positive

I saw this plant in a retail store and think it's just gorgeous. I finally found out what it was, got one, and brought it home to put in...Read More

P
P
Summerville, SC (Zone 8a) | January 2005 | positive

I purchased Breynia disticha at a local nursery several years ago against the recommendation of a nursery staff member. She said ...Read More

J
Ocala, FL | January 2005 | positive

I've had sucess with the Snowbush in central Florida.

S
Hiouchi, CA (Zone 8b) | July 2004 | positive

Mine got to be 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide after 10 years in the shade in southern California (U.S.) It grew more like a small tree, rat...Read More

P
Kailua, HI (Zone 11) | July 2004 | positive

Great little shrubs.

D
Rohnert Park, CA (Zone 9b) | June 2004 | neutral

A month ago I purchased a six inch potted plant featuring pink, green and pale cream colored leaves. Lovely to look at and seems reasona...Read More


Update on June 18, 2004

It looks like the new top leave are drying out. More later as progress ensues.

S
Bradenton, FL | May 2004 | positive

We have several bushes growing under a young oak tree in the front yard. These plants are pretty hardy, even after defoliation. Our plan...Read More

F
Honomu, HI (Zone 11) | May 2004 | positive

I see it around quite a bit used for hedges and as decorative foliage in many business parking lots and malls here on the Big Island of H...Read More

P
Fort Lauderdale, FL | May 2004 | negative

A pretty plant but very invasive in south Florida; it spreads by runners. My neighbor had one on her side of the fence and I now have a...Read More

A
A
atb
Frostproof, FL | August 2003 | positive

I have a beautiful Snow Bush in a pot and it is at least 4 feet tall. It is on the east side of the property with sun till late afternoon...Read More

T
T
New Port Richey, FL | August 2003 | positive

I have three of these, bought at WalMart. I live in zone 9, New Port Richey, FL, and they get east exposure. Basically this is full sun a...Read More

I
I
Imperial Beach, CA | July 2003 | positive

Grows well on east side of house in this very dry but temperate location. Doesn't mind wet feet but has trouble with cold (45 degrees) wi...Read More

D
D
DBM
Cocoa Beach, FL | June 2003 | positive

Plant grows beautifully here in Cocoa Beach.

E
| June 2003 | positive

I love this plant. Grows on the east side of my house in Miami with full sun in the a.m. Have tried growing from cuttings - even using ro...Read More

M
| November 2002 | positive

I planted a very small Snow Bush last November in New Port Richey, Florida. We had a freeze and I covered it with a pillow case. It is ...Read More

S
Oklahoma City, OK (Zone 7a) | August 2002 | neutral

Very showy shrub...Great for mass plantings, Dwarf Variegated for ground cover and the Rosea in decorative containers. Zone 9 protect un...Read More

A
A
AMP
| June 2002 | positive

A nice bush. I have several here growing in Clearwater, Florida (US)

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