Elephant bush bloom: 11 varieties to transform your garden

Forget fussy houseplants – the elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) is a resilient, strikingly beautiful succulent that’s surprisingly easy to care for. From trailing cascades to upright statements, there’s an elephant bush to suit every style. Let’s dive into 11 distinct varieties, each with its own unique charm and growth habit, ready to inject some serious green drama into your space.

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A quick guide to elephant bush varieties

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Whether you’re a seasoned succulent enthusiast or just starting your Gardening journey, this guide will help you choose the perfect Portulacaria afra for your needs and aesthetic. We've linked to vendors to make finding your dream bush a breeze. Keep in mind that we may earn a commission if you purchase through our links – but our priority is providing you with the best information.

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1. Afra: the classic

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The original, Afra boasts emerald-green, half-inch-long leaves and an upright, sprawling demeanor. Its reddish-brown stems add a touch of rustic character. You can find it readily available in five-gallon pots from Planet Desert.

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2. Aurea: a golden glow

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‘Aurea,’ also known as the ‘yellow rainbow bush,’ features vibrant, almost shocking yellow new growth contrasted against purple stems. As it matures, the foliage shifts to a pale, light green. This semi-trailing cultivar is a real showstopper.

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3. Bonsai: miniature majesty

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Transforming any Portulacaria afra into a miniature bonsai is achievable with a little patience and training. Baby Jade Bonsai Trees, available from Bonsai Boy, offer a fantastic starting point – these six to nine-year-old specimens are already partially trained.

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4. Cork bark: a unique texture

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‘Cork Bark’ is an exceptional cultivar for bonsai due to its rough, gray bark that develops with age. Initially thought to be a fungal infection, it’s now celebrated for its distinctive appearance and was first discovered in a nursery in the 1960s. The Huntington Botanic Garden introduced this beauty to the market in 2015.

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5. Lilliput: tiny treasure

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‘Lilliput’ is a diminutive cultivar, perfect for small spaces or bonsai projects. Its petite, emerald-green leaves and compact growth habit make it an ideal choice. This variety, discovered in a plant nursery in 2013, is patented by Altman Specialty Plants.

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6. Macrophylla: expanding elegance

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‘Macrophylla,’ also known as “large leaf elephant food,” offers a more substantial appearance with leaves reaching an inch in length – resembling jade plants (Crassula ovata). Its spaced-out growth makes it a striking focal point.

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7. Manny: a verdant splash

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‘Manny’ is a variegated beauty, showcasing mint green leaves adorned with cream dabs and purple-outlined margins. Its thick, rounded leaves provide a rich textural element.

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8. Medio picta: a painted landscape

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‘Medio Picta,’ the ‘midstripe rainbow bush,’ offers a captivating display with cream centers and green margins. Some leaves even boast pink margins, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. New leaf buds emerge in shades of pink and red.

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9. Prostrata: groundcover charm

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‘Prostrata,’ or “groundcover jade,” is a low-growing, spreading variety ideal for hanging baskets. Its smaller leaves and purple stems create a lush, cascading effect.

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10. Skyscraper: vertical statement

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‘Skyscraper’ boasts a narrow, upright growth habit and emerald-green leaves, complemented by dark reddish-brown stems. This variety adds a dramatic vertical element to any garden.

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11. Variegata: a rainbow of greens

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‘Variegata,’ or “rainbow bush,” mirrors ‘Medio Picta’ but with reversed coloring – mint green leaves edged with cream, sometimes accented by pink. Its compact, upright form and slower growth make it a unique addition to any succulent collection. Purchase a rainbow bush in a four-inch pots from CTS Airplants via Walmart.

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With so many stunning varieties to choose from, finding the perfect elephant bush is a rewarding experience. No matter your style or space, you’re sure to discover a Portulacaria afra that will transform your garden into a thriving oasis. Don’t hesitate to share your favorites in the comments below!

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