A bushy succulent with reddish-brown stems and small round glossy green leaves, edible and tangy, favoured for bonsai and hedging in warm climates and grazed by elephants in its native South Africa.
At a glance
- Plant type: Succulent
- Mature size: 2.5 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Elephant Bush
Botanically, Portulacaria afra is a moderate-growing succulent in the Didiereaceae family. It reaches around 2.5 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Pink flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Elephant Bush
Elephant Bush suits arid and semi-arid, warm-temperate, subtropical and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Elephant Bush does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Elephant Bush handles dry conditions well once established. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Elephant Bush after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Elephant Bush in the garden
Elephant Bush earns its place for pots and courtyard containers, bonsai culture, a fast screen or informal hedge and edible harvests. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Elephant Bush with plants that share its preference for very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Elephant Bush
Plant Sale lists Elephant Bush as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
