River sheoak
Casuarina cunninghamiana · Casuarinaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around river sheoak and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and delicate resembling needles
- Flowering
- Spring to summer, discreet inflorescences
- Adult size
- 15 to 25 m in height, slender and narrow form
- Growth
- Fast to moderate depending on conditions
- Hardiness
- Sensitive to cold, from -5 °C onwards
- Origin
- Eastern Australia and New Guinea
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates poor and sandy soils
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to establish roots. Once established, Australian Pine tolerates drought well and only requires watering during prolonged periods without rain. Avoid waterlogging which could rot the roots.
Exposure
Place Australian Pine in full sun for optimal growth and dense foliage. It also tolerates partial shade, but will be less vigorous there. A location sheltered from strong wind is recommended in windy regions.
Soil and drainage
This conifer appreciates light, well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. It adapts to poor, sandy or gravelly soils and proves very tolerant of difficult conditions. Insufficient drainage is its main risk.
Pruning and shaping
Pruning is generally not necessary; Australian Pine grows naturally in a narrow column. Remove dead, diseased or poorly oriented branches in late winter to maintain an elegant form. Avoid pruning young plants too severely.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is sufficient for plants in growth. Once established, Australian Pine generally requires little, except on very depleted soils. Prefer light and gradual fertilization.
Pests and diseases
This species is robust and rarely susceptible to diseases in suitable climates. In cold or too humid regions, watch for signs of decline or root rot. A few insects may affect it, but rarely seriously.
Did you know?
Australian Pine is not a true pine: despite its misleading common name, it belongs to the Casuarinaceae family and has no relation to the Pinaceae. Its 'needles' are actually flattened branchlets, and its filiform appearance is more reminiscent of a vegetable horse's tail. It has conquered Mediterranean gardens and warm regions throughout the world thanks to its slender silhouette and remarkable adaptation to difficult soils.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Allocasuarina littoralisAllocasuarina littoralis
- Allocasuarina verticillataAllocasuarina verticillata
- Australian pineCasuarina equisetifolia
- Forest-oakAllocasuarina torulosa
- Bull-oakAllocasuarina luehmannii
- Gray sheoakCasuarina glauca
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.