Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ – Variegated 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 ‘Variegata’ – Variegated Elephant Bush

Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’, commonly known as Variegated Elephant Bush, is a colourful evergreen succulent prized for its cream, green, and pink-toned foliage. The small rounded leaves are edged with creamy white variegation and often develop soft pink highlights during cooler weather and periods of strong sunlight. Combined with attractive reddish stems, the foliage creates year-round colour and texture in both garden and container plantings.

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, Variegated Elephant Bush develops excellent drought tolerance and requires minimal care. It responds well to pruning, making it suitable for hedging, shaping, topiary, and bonsai applications.

They look excellent when used as low hedges, borders, succulent gardens, courtyards, decorative containers, and waterwise landscapes where colourful foliage and evergreen structure are desired. Its bright variegated foliage provides a striking contrast against darker-leaved plants and architectural succulents.

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Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ – Variegated Elephant Bush is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 1m - 2m

Mature Width: 1m - 2m

Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ – Variegated Elephant Bush is expected to grow 15cm - 40cm per year under suitable conditions.

Frost Tolerance

Is Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ – Variegated Elephant Bush frost tolerant?

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

Flowering Information

Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ 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 cream, green and soft pink-variegated foliage and dense evergreen growth habit.

Native Information

Is Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ – Variegated Elephant Bush an Australian Native? No

Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ – Variegated Elephant Bush is Native to Cultivar of Portulacaria afra, a species native to South Africa.

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 ‘Variegata’ – Variegated Elephant Bush will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered Soil

Performs best in free-draining soils and adapts well to sandy, gravelly, and coastal conditions. Avoid prolonged waterlogging around the root zone.Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ 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

Common Name: Variegated Elephant Bush

Genus: Portulacaria

Botanical Species: afra

Family: Didiereaceae

Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’

Landscape Uses

Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ – Variegated 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 for the best foliage colour.
Ensure excellent drainage before planting.
Water regularly during establishment.
Prune lightly to encourage dense growth.
Avoid prolonged waterlogging.

Feature Planting: 1m - 2m
Mass Planting: 60cm - 1m

Water sparingly once established.
Trim regularly if maintaining as a hedge.
Remove any 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 ‘Variegata’ – Variegated Elephant Bush is expected to grow 15cm - 40cm per year under suitable conditions.

Medium 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, Variegated Elephant Bush shows exceptional drought tolerance and performs reliably through prolonged dry conditions with little to no supplementary watering.

Flowering Information

Does Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ – Variegated Elephant Bush flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer

Flower Type:

Star

Flower Colour:

Pink

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is Variegated Elephant Bush different from standard Portulacaria afra?
A: It features cream and green variegated foliage with pink highlights rather than solid green leaves.

Q: Is it suitable for hedging?
A: Yes, it responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a colourful low hedge or border.

Q: Can it be grown in pots?
A: Yes, it performs exceptionally well in decorative containers and bonsai applications.

Q: Is it drought tolerant?
A: Yes, once established it develops excellent drought tolerance and requires minimal watering.

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