Overview
Portulaca afra variegata is a spreading branched, bushy annual biennial in the genus Portulaca, part of the Portulacaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Portulaca afra variegata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden and banks and slopes.
About
Portulaca afra variegata, commonly known as elephant bush, is a spreading, branched, and bushy cultivar of the Portulaca genus. These plants are deciduous and thrive in full sun, preferring sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects. They grow well in well-drained soils including chalk, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Suitable for various garden settings such as cottage, gravel, rock gardens, patios, and slopes, this cultivar is hardy to UK zone H2 and is best cultivated in fertile, moist soil. It flowers in summer and autumn and can be propagated by seed.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Portulaca
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Portulaca afra variegata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Banks and slopes
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Portulaca afra variegata
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Damping off
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Portulaca afra variegata?
Portulaca afra variegata prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Portulaca afra variegata need?
Portulaca afra variegata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Portulaca afra variegata hardy in the UK?
Portulaca afra variegata has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Portulaca afra variegata?
Seed.
More in the Portulaca genus
- Portulaca grandiflora 'Fairytales Cinderella' (Fairytales Series)
- Portulaca grandiflora 'Snow White'PBR
- Portulaca oleracea subsp. sativacommon purslane
- Portulaca 'Firegold'
- Portulaca ColorBlast Double Orange ('Lazprt1505') (ColorBlast Series) (d)
- Portulaca oleracea Pazzaz Nano Orange ('Dporpznorg'PBR) (Pazzaz Series)