Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ – Golden Elephant Bush
Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ – Golden Elephant Bush
Couldn't load pickup availability
Current Stock Height Guides
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.
Trade Customers
Trade Customers
We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.
Share this product
About Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ – Golden Elephant Bush
Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’, commonly known as Golden Elephant Bush, is a colourful evergreen succulent prized for its vibrant golden-yellow foliage and compact branching habit. The small rounded leaves emerge bright yellow to lime-green and are carried on attractive reddish stems, creating a bright year-round display that adds colour and texture to waterwise and contemporary landscapes.
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. The brightest golden foliage colour develops in full sun. Once established, Golden Elephant Bush develops excellent drought tolerance and requires minimal care while maintaining a dense, attractive growth habit.
They look excellent when used as low hedges, borders, succulent gardens, courtyard plantings, decorative containers, bonsai specimens, and waterwise landscapes where bright foliage colour and evergreen structure are desired. Its versatility, ease of maintenance, and vibrant colouring make it a standout alternative to traditional green succulents.
Quick order list
Volume Discounting applies automatically at checkout.
Key Information to Know
Evergreen / Deciduous
Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ – Golden Elephant Bush is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height: 1m - 2m
Mature Width: 1m - 2m
Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ – Golden Elephant Bush is expected to grow 15cm - 40cm per year under suitable conditions.
Frost Tolerance
Is Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ – Golden Elephant Bush frost tolerant?
Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ – Golden Elephant Bush is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.
Flowering Information
Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ 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 bright golden-yellow foliage that adds year-round colour and contrast to the landscape.
Native Information
Is Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ – Golden Elephant Bush an Australian Native? No
Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ – Golden 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 ‘Golden’ – Golden Elephant Bush will thrive best in:
Preffered Soil
Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ 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, vibrant foliage colour and long-term vigour.
Botanical Information
Botanical Information
Botanical Information
Common Name: Golden Elephant Bush
Genus: Portulacaria
Botanical Species: afra
Family: Didiereaceae
Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’
Landscape Uses
Landscape Uses
Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ – Golden Elephant Bush works in an:
Planting, Spacing & Care
Planting, Spacing & Care
-
-
-
-
Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ – Golden Elephant Bush is expected to grow 15cm - 40cm per year under suitable conditions.
Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting
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
Ideal Conditions
Thrives in
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, Golden Elephant Bush shows exceptional drought tolerance and performs reliably through prolonged dry conditions with little to no supplementary watering.
Flowering Information
Flowering Information
Does Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ – Golden Elephant Bush flower?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
Flower Colour:
Pink
Portulacaria afra ‘Golden’ 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 bright golden-yellow foliage that adds year-round colour and contrast to the landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
