“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.
Is the Cousin It Plant Right for You?
Before you dig a hole, here is a quick look at what makes this native ground cover great, and where it struggles:
What Is the Cousin It Plant?
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.
How to Plant Cousin It: Step-by-Step
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
Pests & Problems
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.
Cousin It Landscaping Ideas for Australian Homes
- Retaining Walls: Let it cascade down stone or concrete walls – perfect for erosion control.
- Garden Borders: Frame garden beds with their flowing texture.
- Poolside Planting: Looks lush and tropical; thrives near pools.
- Rock Gardens: Pair with succulents like Agave or Aloe.
- Containers & Hanging Pots: Grows beautifully in large pots – place on walls or balconies.
- Ground Cover Alternative: Ditch the lawn! Cousin It is a low-maintenance, no-mow option.
- Front Yard Curb Appeal: Use as a sculptural element in modern designs.
Yes! Cousin It can grow indoors with the proper care.
Indoor Cousin It – Is It Possible?
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
Where to Buy Cousin It in Australia
- Local nurseries (especially native plant specialists)
- Online native plant shops:
- Australian Plants Online
- Plant Hub
- Bunnings Australia
- Price range: $12–$25 per plant
FAQs – Quick Answers for Aussies
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.
