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Portulacaria afra (Elephant bush)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
3m
Max height
Max height
1.5m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Portulacaria afra
Other names
Elephant bush, Rainbow bush, Tree purslane, Spekboom, Porkbush
Genus
Portulacaria Portulacaria
Species
P. afra - P. afra is a tender, upright, succulent, evergreen shrub with thick stems bearing twig-like, dark reddish-brown branches, oval, glossy, sometimes pointed, green leaves, and inconspicuous, saucer-shaped, pink flowers in summer.
Portulacaria afra is: Evergreen
Habit
Branching, Upright
Flower
Insignificant or absent, Pink in Summer
Foliage
Green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Aphids , Mealybugs , Vine weevil Aphids , Mealybugs , Vine weevil
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1.
Propagation
Root stem section cuttings with gentle bottom heat in spring.
Propagation methods
Stem segments
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Where to grow
Portulacaria afra (Elephant bush) will reach a height of 3m and a spread of 1.5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Greenhouse, Indoor
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow outdoors in moderately fertile, sharply drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost with added grit in full or bright filtered light. In growth, water freely & feed every 6-8 weeks with a low nitrogen fertiliser.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Portulacaria afra
Other names
Elephant bush, Rainbow bush, Tree purslane, Spekboom, Porkbush
Genus
Portulacaria Portulacaria
Species
P. afra - P. afra is a tender, upright, succulent, evergreen shrub with thick stems bearing twig-like, dark reddish-brown branches, oval, glossy, sometimes pointed, green leaves, and inconspicuous, saucer-shaped, pink flowers in summer.
Native to
Southern Africa
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Branching, Upright
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Colour
Flower
Insignificant or absent, Pink in Summer
Foliage
Green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Aphids , Mealybugs , Vine weevil
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1.
Propagation
Root stem section cuttings with gentle bottom heat in spring.
Propagation methods
Stem segments
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Portulacaria afra (Elephant bush) will reach a height of 3m and a spread of 1.5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Greenhouse, Indoor
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow outdoors in moderately fertile, sharply drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost with added grit in full or bright filtered light. In growth, water freely & feed every 6-8 weeks with a low nitrogen fertiliser.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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