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Products > Portulacaria afra 'Variegata'   Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' - Rainbow Bush    [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Succulent Family: Portulacaceae (Purslanes) Origin: South Africa (Africa) Evergreen: Yes Variegated Foliage: Yes Flower Color: Lavender Bloomtime: Summer Height: 8-12 feet Width: 4-6 feet Exposure: Sun or Shade Drought Tolerant: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' (Rainbow Bush, Variegated Elephant Food) - A sprawling, slow growing succulent shrub with attractive reddish-brown stems and a variegated cream and green ¾ inch leaves. A very easy to grow succulent that works as a great bonsai plant, hanging basket or even a hedge in frost free climates. The green form will slowly reach 12 feet in height with an equal spread but likely the variegated form will remain considerably smaller and in containers even more so and size is easily controlled with selective pruning and pot size. The stems of this shrub will thicken very fast giving the plant an old appearance at a young age. The lavender pink flowers are seldom seen outside the wild but the knobbed tan-reddish stems makes a nice foil in the landscape. Plant in full sun to light shade and irrigated sparingly to not at all. Cold hardy to 25° F and useful in USDA zones 10-11 or Sunset 8,9, 12-27. Well suited for a xeriscape garden where it is drought tolerant once established. For more information on the species see our listing for Portulacaria afra. We also grow Portulacaria afra 'Aurea' a prostrate plant but with yellow new growth and Portulacaria afra 'Low Form' another prostrate form with green leaves and Portulacaria afra forma macrophylla , a large leafed form. All are great drought tolerant plants useful in the landscape or as container specimens.  This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' .     [MORE INFO]