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.