The Snow Bush, Breynia nivosa rosea, is a tropical shrub with foliage that is green with a pink and white spotted variegated effect, the white flecks looking like a dusting of snow. Reaching around 1m in height, and grown mainly for its foliage this is a great little plant for a tropical garden.
Mainly found in the Pacific Islands it is sometimes used as a low hedging plant. However it does have a tendency to self seed and has weed potential. Grown as a house plant or potted specimen it does add a splash of colour to the garden year round.
Care
This does require a warm climate and a humus rich moist soil, part shade is best. It will grow as far south as Sydney. In areas with cold winds in winter, the plant may become semi – deciduous.
- Choose a sunny position and prepare the soil by digging in some well rotted compost.
- Plant and water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser
- Mulch to maintain moisture.
- Water well through the first summer.
- Use a general purpose slow release fertiliser in spring.
- Water well during long dry periods in summer.
Pruning
Usually reaching a height of around 1 metre with a similar spread, Breynia nivosa rosea can be tip pruned after flowering to help maintain a bushy compact growth habit.
Breynia nivosa rosea – Summary.
- Fast Growing
- Easy to prune.
- Requires a warm climate with adequate moisture.
- Can be grown in containers.
- Requires a humus rich soil.
- Propagation is from cuttings.
- Suited to coastal plantings.
Interestingly Breynia nivosa rosea is not that easy to find in Australian Nurseries.