Portulacaria afra – Elephant Bush

$245.00

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Size: 30cm/33cm

30cm/33cm

Current Stock Height Guides

*** Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons.No guarantee is giventhat supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal andis not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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About Portulacaria afra – Elephant Bush

Portulacaria afra, commonly known as Elephant Bush, is a versatile evergreen succulent valued for its dense branching habit, small glossy leaves, and exceptional drought tolerance. The bright green foliage is carried on attractive reddish-brown stems, creating a soft yet structured appearance that suits both formal and informal landscape designs. Its compact growth habit and ability to respond well to pruning make it a popular choice for hedging, screening, topiary, and bonsai applications.

It performs best in full sun to partial shade and free-draining soils, adapting exceptionally well to coastal gardens, dry climates, and low-maintenance landscapes. Once established, Elephant Bush develops outstanding drought tolerance and requires minimal ongoing care. It also responds well to shaping and regular trimming, allowing it to be maintained as anything from a small feature plant to a dense hedge.

They look excellent when used as low hedges, borders, succulent gardens, bonsai specimens, courtyards, container plantings, and waterwise landscapes where reliable evergreen structure is desired. Its resilience, versatility, and attractive foliage make it one of the most widely used succulents for contemporary landscape applications.

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Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Portulacaria afra – Elephant Bush is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 2m - 4m

Mature Width: 2m - 4m

Portulacaria afra – Elephant Bush is expected to grow 20cm - 60cm per year under suitable conditions.

Frost Tolerance

Is Portulacaria afra – Elephant Bush frost tolerant?

Portulacaria afra – Elephant Bush is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Flowering Information

Portulacaria afra may produce clusters of small pink star-shaped flowers on mature plants during favourable growing conditions. Flowering is often sporadic in cultivation, with the plant primarily valued for its attractive small rounded green leaves and dense evergreen growth habit.

Native Information

Is Portulacaria afra – Elephant Bush an Australian Native? No

Portulacaria afra – Elephant Bush is Native to

Wildlife Value

Its small seasonal flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators when produced, supporting biodiversity within waterwise and succulent landscapes. The dense branching habit also provides shelter and habitat for beneficial insects and small wildlife within garden settings.

Sunlight Information

Portulacaria afra – Elephant Bush will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered Soil

Portulacaria afra performs best in free-draining sandy or loam soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It will also tolerate poor soils, rocky sites, coastal conditions and container growing provided drainage remains excellent. Avoid heavy clay or persistently wet conditions, as excess moisture can lead to root problems. Allow the soil to dry between watering once established to maintain healthy growth and long-term vigour.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Elephant Bush

Genus: Portulacaria

Botanical Species: afra

Family: Didiereaceae

Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra

Landscape Uses

Portulacaria afra – Elephant Bush works in an:

Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.

Planting, Spacing & Care

Plant in full sun to partial shade.
Ensure excellent drainage before planting.
Water regularly during establishment.
Prune lightly to encourage dense branching.
Avoid prolonged waterlogging.

Feature Planting: 1.5m - 3m
Mass Planting: 80cm - 1.5m

Water sparingly once established.
Trim regularly if maintaining as a hedge.
Remove damaged growth when required.
Maintain free-draining soil conditions.

Sandy soils: Promote excellent drainage and healthy root development.
Sandy loam soils: Provide balanced drainage and moisture retention.
Gravelly soils: Support long-term plant health and minimise excess moisture.

Portulacaria afra – Elephant Bush is expected to grow 20cm - 60cm per year under suitable conditions.

Medium Growth Rate
Fast Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Tropical QLD (Cairns, Townsville)
Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
Inland QLD (Darling Downs, Central QLD)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Riverland & Murraylands

Thrives in

Full Sun
Part Shade

Frost Tolerance

Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Drought Tolerance

As a young plant it benefits from occasional watering to establish a healthy root system, particularly during extended dry periods. Once established, Elephant Bush shows exceptional drought tolerance and performs reliably through prolonged dry conditions with little to no supplementary watering.