Genus Breynia

Breynia disticha 'Roseo-picta' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

BRAY-nee-ah

The genus Breynia is comprised of evergreen trees and shrubs from tropical forest and scrub areas of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, including Hawaii. They are grown for their small but colorful leaves, often occuring in flattened sprays. Flowers are very small and petalless and are followed by red berries. Grow Breynia as houseplants, or in a border in warmer areas.
Noteworthy characteristics: Evergreen, colorful leaves.
Care: Grow in fertile, humus-rich soil in part shade. Plants can take more sun during the cooler months. Pinch out the stem tips of young plants to promote branching.
Propagation: Using bottom heat, root softwood cuttings in summer in a propagating case.
Problems: In the greenhouse, watch for spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Breynia

Breynia disticha 'Roseo-picta'
(Snow bush) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

The white- and pink-mottled leaves of 'Roseo-picta' make it appear as if the plant has been snowed upon, even though it is a tropical plant. It is an evergreen shrub growing to 3 feet or more with pink and red stems in zigzagged formation. Native to Pacific islands, it is grown as an indoor plant or perennial, or as an annual in cooler climates. The tiny flowers go generally unnoticed. Do not allow the soil to dry out, as leaf drop will occur.

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