(Breynia Disticha ‘Rosea Picta’)

Features and Characteristics

Breynia disticha, commonly called snow bush, is a tropical shrub that typically grows 2-4’ tall. It is grown for its attractive red zigzag stems and variegated foliage. Elliptic to ovate green leaves (to 1” long) are liberally mottled with white. Cultivars of this species feature leaves mottled with pink, red and purple. Small greenish apetalous flowers are insignificant. Synonymous with Breynia nivosa.

Genus name honors Jacob Breyne (1637-169- , merchant in Danzig and his son Johann Philipp Breyne (1680-176- , physician in Danzig.

‘Rosea Picta’ features colorful foliage mottled with green, white, and pink variegation. Mature plants will reach up to 6′ tall with a 4′ spread.

Care and Maintenance

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-1 In St. Louis, plants are best grown in containers and overwintered in humid, cool but frost-free locations such as large sunrooms, porches or greenhouses. They also may be grown as bedding or container plants. Cuttings taken in late summer can be overwintered. These plants can be very difficult to overwinter in dry indoor conditions where they tend to drop all of their leaves. Grow in moderately rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best foliage color usually develops in full sun. Tolerates wide range of soils, but prefers organically rich ones with consistent moisture. Periodic light pruning during the growing season stimulates new foliage growth.

‘Rosea Picta’ will exhibit less pink variegation in shady conditions. Provide full sun for best foliage color.