Cousin It Plant in Australia: Grow, Care tips & Landscape Guide

“Cousin it plant” in Australia. Ever seen a plant that looks like it walked straight out of a cartoon? That’s the Cousin It plant! With its long, weeping green foliage and quirky shape, this eye-catching beauty is a popular pick in Aussie gardens.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced green thumb, this step-by-step guide will help you grow, care for, and style the Cousin It plant in your outdoor or indoor spaces.

Botanical Name: Casuarina glauca’ Cousin It’

Common Names: Cousin It, Shagpile Plant, She-Oak Ground Cover

Origin: Native to Australia

Plant Type: Evergreen ground cover

Height & Spread: 20 cm tall, spreads over 2 metres

Growth Habit: Dense, trailing, and weeping

Why is it called Cousin It?

It gets its name from the hairy character “Cousin Itt” in The Addams Family – because of its long, mop-like foliage!

Best Climate & Growing Zones in Australia

Cousin It thrives in most parts of Australia:

• ✅ Ideal for coastal NSW, SE Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and Perth
• 🚫 Not ideal for frost-prone alpine regions (unless protected)
• Tolerates full sun, light shade, and even windy coastal sites

TIP: In very hot inland areas, partial shade helps prevent drying out.

1. Choose the Right Spot

• Full sun to part shade
• Well-draining soil
• Great for retaining walls, rockeries, or hanging over garden beds

2. Prepare the Soil

• Light, sandy soil is ideal
• Add compost or organic matter if the soil is heavy or clay-based
• Ensure it drains well (no soggy spots)

3. Planting Time

• Best planted in autumn or spring
• Space plants 50 cm to 1 m apart for full coverage

4. Planting Process

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball
• Loosen the roots before placing them in the hole
• Backfill with soil and press down firmly
• Water in thoroughly

💧 Watering & Feeding Guide

Watering:

• Water well during the first 3–6 weeks after planting
• Once established, it’s extremely drought-tolerant
• In dry inland areas, water every 2 weeks in summer

Feeding:

• Apply slow-release fertiliser in early spring
• Use native plant food or something low in phosphorus
• Avoid overfeeding – it’s a low-maintenance plant!

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• No pruning needed for shape – its natural look is the charm
• You can trim edges to keep them neat near pavers or pathways
• Cut back damaged or tangled growth in late winter
• Tip: Give it a light tidy-up every 12 months to refresh growth

🌸 Does Cousin It Flower?

Yes, but the flowers are tiny and not showy.

• Small, reddish-brown flowers may appear in spring
• Often goes unnoticed under the dense foliage
• Flowers are not toxic and don’t attract pests

✅Cousin It is generally pest-free!

But here’s what to watch for:

ProblemCauseSolution

Yellowing leaves, Poor drainage, or overwatering. Improve the soil or reduce watering.

Patchy growth, Lack of sunlight or nutrients. Trim back and feed with slow-release fertiliser.

Root rot, Consistent soggy soil. Replant in a well-drained area or raised bed.

1. Retaining Walls: Let it cascade down stone or concrete walls – perfect for erosion control.
2. Garden Borders: Frame garden beds with their flowing texture.
3. Poolside Planting: Looks lush and tropical; thrives near pools.
4. Rock Gardens: Pair with succulents like Agave or Aloe.
5. Containers & Hanging Pots: Grows beautifully in large pots – place on walls or balconies.
6. Ground Cover Alternative: Ditch the lawn! Cousin It is a low-maintenance, no-mow option.
7. Front Yard Curb Appeal: Use as a sculptural element in modern designs.

Yes! Cousin It can grow indoors with the proper care.

Indoor Tips:

• Use a large, well-draining pot
• Place near a sunny window (east or north-facing is ideal)
• Water sparingly – let the soil dry between watering
• Mist occasionally if the indoor air is dry
• Avoid placing near heaters or drafts

🔁 Propagation – Grow More Cousin It Plants

You can easily propagate Cousin It via:

1. Division

• Best done in spring or early autumn
• Gently lift a clump and divide the roots into smaller sections
• Replant immediately in new locations

2. Cuttings (less common)

• Take stem cuttings in spring
• Dip the root in rooting hormone and plant in a moist seed-raising mix
• Keep warm and humid for 4–6 weeks

✅ Benefits of Cousin It in Australian Gardens

• Waterwise & drought-tolerant
• Fire retardant – excellent in bushfire-prone areas
• Erosion control – roots hold soil firmly
• Weed suppressant – forms dense, weed-blocking mats
• No mowing or trimming needed
• Unique visual appeal – adds movement and texture to gardens

💡 Cousin It vs. Other Ground Covers

FeatureCousin ItDichondraNative VioletBlue Fescue

Drought tolerant ✅ ❌ ❌ ✅

Weeping look ✅ ❌ ❌ ✅

Native ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌

Fire resistant ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌

Shade tolerant ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌

Maintenance Low Medium Medium Medium

• Local nurseries (especially native plant specialists)
• Online native plant shops:
  • Australian Plants Online
  • Plant Hub
  • Bunnings Australia
• Price range: $12–$25 per plant

Q: Is Cousin It safe for pets and kids?

A: Yes! It’s non-toxic and soft to touch – safe for playful pets and children.

Q: How long does it take to establish?

A: Usually 3–6 months with regular watering, then it becomes fully drought-tolerant.

Q: Will it take over my garden?

A: It spreads, but it’s not invasive. You can trim the edges to keep it in place.

Q: Can I grow Cousin It from seed?

A: It’s possible, but very slow. Division is the best method for quick results.