Rosea Snowbush

Rosea Snowbush (Breynia disticha 'Rosea') is a gently weeping, layered shrub whose small, very dark green leaves are patterned in white and pink. It reaches about 2m tall and 1.5m wide and holds its colour all year without needing flowers, which makes it a feature shrub, a soft hedge or a screen for frost free gardens. The parent species comes from New Caledonia and Vanuatu, and the plant likes warmth and reliable rain.

Why you'll love it

• Colour all year. The foliage is patterned in white and pink, so the display never depends on a flowering season.
• A soft, layered shape. Gently weeping branches stack in tiers, giving a light, airy look that suits modern and tropical plantings.
• Hedge, screen or feature. It works as a single specimen, a pastel hedge or a screen of 2m.
• Sun or part shade. Full sun brings the richest colour, but it also thrives in part shade.
• Not fussy about soil. It suits most soil types, as long as there is warmth and regular moisture.

Where it works best

A feature shrub. Use a single plant beside an entry, in a courtyard or against a dark wall, where the pink and white leaves show up best.

A pastel hedge. Plant 1m apart and prune regularly for a dense, colourful hedge of 1.5m to 2m. It forms a light-coloured foil to darker greens.

A soft screen. Set the same 1m apart in a double row for a layered screen. Partner it with deeper green shrubs for contrast.

Growing Rosea Snowbush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for the richest colour, though it also thrives in part shade. It needs warmth and reliable rain, so it suits tropical, subtropical and mild warm temperate gardens. In cool climates further south than Sydney it may drop leaves, and frost is best avoided.

Soil. Suited to most soil types. Add organic matter and mulch to hold moisture through dry spells.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. After that, water as needed during dry periods.

Pruning. Prune regularly to encourage dense growth. Clip lightly for a formal-looking hedge or leave the branches to weep for a softer feature plant.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Rosea Snowbush as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and builds its colourful, layered shape over the first season. It is a budget-friendly way to plant a whole hedge.

Our grower supplies the tubes, so supply comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment: press the notify button on the page and we will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Hedging and screening plants
• More variegated plants
• How to create a great hedge
• Plants for subtropical climates

Common questions

Is it an Australian native?

It is a Pacific plant: the parent species is native to New Caledonia and Vanuatu. It grows well in warm Australian gardens.

Will it lose its leaves in winter?

In cool climates further south than Sydney it may drop leaves. In warm, frost free gardens it holds them through the year.

How do I get the best colour?

Plant it in full sun, keep the water regular and prune regularly. The pink and white patterning is strongest in bright light.