Description
Variegated Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’) is a branching succulent with reddish stems and small green leaves edged in cream. Its colorful foliage looks attractive in patio containers, succulent collections, and bright indoor spaces. In frost-free landscapes, elephant bush can become a large shrub; container-grown plants stay much smaller with pruning.
Growing Variegated Elephant Bush in Alabama
Give it bright light, including some direct sun after gradual acclimation. Use a gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent mix in a pot with drainage holes. Water thoroughly, then let the mix dry well before watering again; reduce watering in winter. Pinch or prune stems to keep the plant compact. This tender succulent cannot withstand Alabama freezes, so grow it in a movable container and bring it indoors before frost. A bright window or supplemental grow light helps it through winter. It is suited to year-round outdoor planting only in generally frost-free areas, roughly USDA zones 10–11.
