elephant bush
Portulacaria afra
USDA zones9 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size8 to 12 feet tall3 to 6 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) is a succulent for borders, containers, and hedges. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full or part sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. It is evergreen and drought tolerant, so it needs little care once settled.
Pairs well with Ghost plant, Crown of thorns, and Turk's head cactus.