General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Shrub
Tree
Cactus/Succulent
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Preferences: Mesic
Dry Mesic
Soil pH Preferences: Moderately acid (5.6 – 6.0)
Slightly acid (6.1 – 6.5)
Neutral (6.6 – 7.3)
Slightly alkaline (7.4 – 7.8)
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 9b -3.9 °C (25 °F) to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
Plant Height: 2-12 feet
Plant Spread: 4-6 feet
Leaves: Unusual foliage color
Evergreen
Variegated
Fruit: Showy
Indehiscent
Other: Small single-seeded drupe.
Flowers: Showy
Flower Color: Lavender
Bloom Size: Under 1"
Flower Time: Late spring or early summer
Summer
Suitable Locations: Xeriscapic
Houseplant
Uses: Windbreak or Hedge
Suitable for miniature gardens
Wildlife Attractant: Bees
Resistances: Humidity tolerant
Drought tolerant
Propagation: Other methods: Cuttings: Stem
Containers: Suitable in 3 gallon or larger
Suitable for hanging baskets
Needs excellent drainage in pots
Miscellaneous: Tolerates poor soil
Child plants: one child plant

Image
Common names
  • Elephant Bush
  • Spekboom
  • Porkbush
  • Elephant's Food
  • Small Leaf Jade

Photo Gallery
Location: Sebastian,  Florida
Date: 2021-10-16
Location: north central Texas
Date: 2014-09-20
Location: Sebastian,  Florida
Date: 2021-10-16
Photo by hlutzow
Location: KALAMA WA
  • Uploaded by Joy
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Date: 2017-09-14
Location: Sebastian,  Florida
Date: 2021-10-16
Photo by syzone8aUK

Date: 2018-08-23
Location: Orangeburg, SC
Date: 2017-04-13
Elephant Bush Plant
Location: Gause, Texas
Date: 2020-03-06
2-yr old specimen in full sun on rural property.  Thrives with mo
Location: Jacksonville, TX
Date: Sep 2011

 Photo Courtesy of Mountain Crest Gardens. Used with permission.
  • Uploaded by Joy
Location: Pacific Northwest, zone 8
Date: May 9, 2010
Location: DISCLAIMER: This is an old photo from an old phone. I don't know why, but the photos look "deep fried". sorry about that.
Photo by keithp2012
Location: Austria / Wiener Neustadt
Date: 2015-09-29
Location: Cypress Gardens, Florida
Location: Southwest Florida
Date: September 2012

Date: 2021-01-23

Date: 2013-02-26

Date: 2016-07-11

 Photo Courtesy of Mountain Crest Gardens. Used with permission.
  • Uploaded by Joy
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Date: 3/4/17

Date: 2013-02-26

Date: 2013-02-26

Photo courtesy of Annie's Annuals and Perennials
  • Uploaded by Joy
Location: Louisville
Date: 2020-03-14

Date: 2021-01-23

Date: 2021-01-23

Date: 2021-01-23
One of three plants had no roots; planning to root above water th
This plant is tagged in:
Image

Comments:
  • Posted by Dutchlady1 on Sep 15, 2012 8:20 AM concerning plant:
    I find this one slower growing and more pendulous than the non-variegated form.
Plant Events from our members
LizDTM On March 5, 2017 Transplanted
LizDTM On March 4, 2017 Obtained plant
Bought at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
hlutzow On May 13, 2019 Obtained plant
cutting
variegatagal On May 12, 2022 Obtained plant
Home Depot Frisco
MySecretIslandGarden On August 18, 2022 Transplanted
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