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Portulacaria afra

Elephant's Food, Elephant Bush

Plant photo of: Portulacaria afra
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

This interesting succulent has an irregular growth habit. Depending on pruning and cold, Elephant's Food can be grown as a groundcover or shrub to 12' tall and wide. Plants work very well in containers, and can be used indoors or outdoors. It is drought tolerant but needs some protection from frost. It does best with some shade in most arid climates; otherwise, it tolerates full sun. This plant is a native of South Africa. Tiny lavender flowers bloom in summer only if the winter has been dry; not much irrigation needed for this plant.

 

Plant Type

Shrub, Ground cover, Succulent

Height Range

6-12'

Flower Color

Lavender

Flower Season

Summer

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green, Light Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half, Shade

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Moderate, Slow

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Japanese, Spanish, Tropical, Water Garden

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape

Seasonal Interest

Summer

Location Uses

Entry, Indoor, Patio, Raised Planter, Swimming Pool, Walkways, With Rocks

Special Uses

Cascade, Container, Filler, Mass Planting, Small Spaces, Hanging Baskets

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Group plants in your garden according to their water needs (hydrozone).