Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) | Jade-Green Succulent for Containers

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Elephant Bush

Portulacaria ‘afra’

A versatile, drought-tolerant succulent shrub with jade-green leaves on contrasting red stems, perfect for containers and bonsai.

$21.90

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Description

Portulacaria afra, commonly known as Elephant Bush or Miniature Jade, is a versatile, evergreen succulent shrub prized for its attractive, fleshy, jade-green leaves and contrasting reddish-brown stems. Native to South Africa, this slow-growing, branching plant forms a dense, rounded shrub or small tree with distinctive, segmented stems that become woody and reddish-brown with age. In late spring to summer, it may produce small clusters of tiny, pink, star-shaped flowers at the branch tips, followed by small, winged capsules. Exceptionally drought-tolerant, easy to care for, and highly adaptable, it is an outstanding choice for containers, succulent gardens, xeriscapes, and as a bonsai specimen.

Quick Facts

Foliage & Flowers: Small, oval, thick, fleshy, bright green leaves on contrasting reddish-brown stems; small clusters of tiny, pink, star-shaped flowers in late spring to summer (rare indoors).
Mature Height: 8-12 ft (outdoors); easily maintained at 1-3 ft in containers.
Mature Spread: 4-6 ft.
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate.
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9-11; Sunset 8, 9, 12-24, H1, H2.
Light Requirement: Full sun to bright, indirect light.
Core Benefits: Attractive jade-green foliage with red stems, extremely drought tolerant, easy to grow, excellent for bonsai and containers, low maintenance.
Best Uses: Containers, succulent gardens, xeriscape landscapes, bonsai, indoor houseplant, patio plantings, hedges (in frost-free climates).

Faqs

Q: How large does Elephant Bush get?
A: Outdoors in frost-free climates, it can reach 8-12 feet in height and 4-6 feet in spread. In containers, it is easily maintained at 1-3 feet, making it ideal for bonsai and small-space growing.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: For the most vibrant foliage and compact growth, provide full sun to bright, indirect light. It tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Q: Is it drought tolerant?
A: Yes, it is extremely drought tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure.

Q: Does it flower?
A: It may produce small clusters of tiny, pink, star-shaped flowers at the branch tips in late spring to summer, though flowering is rare indoors.

Q: Is it cold hardy?
A: It is reliably hardy in USDA zones 9-11, tolerating temperatures down to approximately 25-30°F (-4 to -1°C). In colder zones, grow it in a container and overwinter indoors.

Q: Can it be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it is an excellent houseplant for a bright, sunny window. Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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A good garden starts with the right size

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1 Gallon

A practical starting size for perennials, grasses, groundcovers, vines and young shrubs. Lightweight, easy to plant and well suited for projects that need multiple plants.

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3 Gallon

A versatile size for shrubs, grasses, perennials and young landscape plants. It offers a more established look while remaining easy to move, plant and use in groups.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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