The plant known as ‘Cousin It’ is a distinctive, dwarf cultivar of the Australian native Acacia cognata. This evergreen shrub is highly sought after in modern landscaping for its unique, textural appearance. It develops a dense, mounding habit characterized by fine, weeping foliage that cascades outward. This compact form makes it a popular choice for groundcover or container planting due to its low maintenance requirements and unusual structure.
Initial Site Selection and Planting
Successful establishment requires full sun exposure for the densest growth and best foliage color. While the plant tolerates partial shade, insufficient light leads to sparser foliage and a less defined weeping shape. The ideal soil must be highly porous and well-draining, as this species is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH provides the best environment for nutrient absorption, mimicking its native Australian habitat.
When preparing to plant, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but the same depth as the container. Gently loosen any tightly bound roots to encourage their extension into the native soil. Position the plant so its crown remains level with the surrounding ground surface during backfilling. Immediately follow planting with a deep, thorough watering to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Essential Ongoing Maintenance
After establishment, transition the watering regimen to deep, infrequent applications to encourage a robust root system. Mature ‘Cousin It’ exhibits drought tolerance, but prolonged dry spells necessitate supplemental watering, especially in hotter climates. Allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between irrigation cycles helps prevent fungal issues.
Fertilization requires careful consideration due to the plant’s sensitivity to high phosphorus levels. As a native wattle, it is adapted to nutrient-poor soils, making standard, high-phosphorus fertilizers potentially damaging. Utilize a specialized native plant fertilizer with a low or zero phosphorus ratio, applied sparingly in early spring to support the new growth cycle.
Applying a layer of organic mulch moderates soil temperatures and retains consistent moisture across the root zone. Maintain a 2 to 3-inch layer of coarse material, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around the plant’s base. Ensure the mulch does not directly touch the stem, as this contact can trap excessive moisture and invite collar rot. This practice supports the plant’s long-term health and dense foliage display.
Pruning and Shaping for Optimal Display
Pruning maintains the compact, mounding shape and encourages dense new growth throughout the canopy. Since ‘Cousin It’ naturally develops its signature weeping form, staking or extensive structural manipulation is unnecessary. Regular, light tip-pruning throughout the year is effective for promoting bushiness and controlling the shrub’s overall spread.
For significant rejuvenation, a heavier shaping prune can be undertaken in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use sharp, clean shears to snip back the outer layer of foliage, maintaining the plant’s natural dome. Avoid cutting back into the thick, leafless, older wood, as wattles struggle to regenerate new growth from these sections.
This practice, known as “tipping,” directs the plant’s energy toward lateral bud development rather than vertical extension. Consistently removing the soft terminal growth helps the shrub maintain its tight, uniform texture and prevents it from becoming leggy.
Managing Common Pests and Environmental Stressors
While generally robust, ‘Cousin It’ can encounter pest challenges, including scale insects and mealybugs. These sap-sucking pests cluster on stems and leaf axils, leading to weakened growth and potential sooty mold development. Effective treatment involves horticultural oil or insecticidal soap applications, ensuring thorough coverage of the dense foliage.
Environmental vulnerabilities include sensitivity to prolonged cold and poor soil conditions. The plant is not reliably frost-hardy and may require protection in regions experiencing hard freezes. The most common cause of decline is root rot, resulting directly from inadequate soil drainage that suffocates the root system.
Preventing root rot is achieved through proper initial site selection and careful irrigation management, as chemical treatments are often ineffective once the disease is advanced. Borers can sometimes target older, stressed plants, and their presence is indicated by sawdust-like frass on the bark. Addressing these issues early helps ensure the longevity of this unique garden feature.