Species Plantarum Plant Care

Species Plantarum (Cichorium intybus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Cichorium genus. Species Plantarum is native to the Old World, it has been introduced to the Americas and Australia. Species Plantarum is also known as Cichorium intybus.

Species Plantarum displays an upright, leafy growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Species Plantarum produces bright blue, daisy-like flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Species Plantarum every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Species Plantarum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cichorium intybus tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Species Plantarum prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Species Plantarum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Species Plantarum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile loamy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Species Plantarum is suited to USDA Zone 3a – 10b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Species Plantarum can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Species Plantarum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Species Plantarum is hardy down to USDA zone 3a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Species Plantarum can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to endive plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Species Plantarum is susceptible to aphids, flea beetles, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Species Plantarum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Species Plantarum is native to the Old World, it has been introduced to the Americas and Australia.