Perennial
Snow Squarestem
Melanthera nivea
Varieties We Carry
Snapshot Burgundy BicolorMelanthera niveaSnapshot Red BicolorMelanthera niveaSnapshot WhiteMelanthera nivea
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 4.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterLow
Mature size2-5 feet × 2-4 feet
About Snow Squarestem
Snow Squarestem (Melanthera nivea) is a native Florida perennial with distinctive square stems and bright white daisy-like flower heads that bloom over a long season. It naturalizes readily in disturbed open areas and is an important nectar source for butterflies and bees. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained, Wet
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Plant in full sun to part sun; at least 6 hours of direct sun produces the most flowers and keeps plants compact. In NE Florida, it tolerates the full summer sun well once established.
Water
Drought-tolerant once established; in NE Florida's sandy soils, water during the first growing season then reduce to rainfall supplementation. Tolerates both dry and periodically wet conditions — adaptable to rain gardens.
Soil & Fertilizer
Thrives in NE Florida's sandy or loamy soils with no special amendments needed. This is a lean-soil native — avoid heavy fertilization, which causes excessive vegetative growth. Cut back rangy stems in late winter before new growth emerges; the plant reseeds freely.
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Common questions
Is Snow Squarestem a good plant for St. Augustine?
Snow Squarestem is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 2-5 feet × 2-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.