Breynia disticha aka Snowbush

Breynia disticha is a shrub that keeps its leaves year-round. It belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family. It comes from New Caledonia and Vanuatu in the Pacific. Its home range has a wet tropical climate. Gardeners call it snowbush or Hawaiian snowbush. Some sources also call it Phyllanthus nivosus. The name snowbush refers to white patches on its leaves.

Sources give different garden sizes, which also depend on growing conditions. NC State gives 2–4 feet [0.6–1.2 metres] in height and width. Florida's guide gives heights of 2–10 feet [0.6–3.05 metres]. It lists a spread of 3–6 feet [0.9–1.83 metres]. The shrub grows at a moderate rate and forms several stems. Without pruning, it grows broad and takes a vase-like shape. Its thin red branches bend and follow a zigzag course. The branches can flex and hang over a wall.

The small leaves are simple, each with one blade. They grow in turn along the stem, in two rows. This can make them look like parts of compound leaves. Each leaf has a smooth edge and an egg-like shape. Leaves measure about 1–2 inches long and have pinnate veins. These veins branch from a main vein down the leaf. Leaves may mix green, white, pink, and red. Leaf colour and new growth differ from plant to plant. The leaves show no clear colour change in autumn. Tiny flowers grow in groups where leaves meet stems. They have no petals and add little garden interest. Sources call them greenish or white. In Florida, plants bloom in summer and autumn. Tropical Plants Database says they may bloom all year. Small, round, fleshy fruits are also easy to miss.

Full sun helps growth stay dense and brings out leaf colour. Part shade also suits it, though growth may stretch. It prefers rich, moist soil that drains well. It tolerates sand, loam, and acid to slightly alkaline soil. It copes poorly with salt and moderately well with drought. Florida lists USDA zones 9b–11b. Outside the tropics, pots let gardeners give it frost-free winter shelter. Dry indoor air can cause it to lose leaves. Light pruning helps new leaves grow during the growing season.

Gardeners use snowbush in hedges, borders, pots, or as single plants. Shoots from its roots can spread beyond the parent plant. It has escaped gardens and formed wild stands in Hawaii. Cuttings and divided root shoots can make new plants. Caterpillars and mites can harm leaves. Sources report no serious disease problems. Tropical Plants Database lists no known food or medicinal uses. It also reports no known hazards. This does not prove it is safe for people or pets.