Pink Chicory Cichorium intybus 'Roseum'
ABOUT
Cichorium intybus 'Roseum', commonly known as pink chicory, is a visually striking perennial. The plant is noted for its attractive blooms, which are a delicate pink hue. The flowers are daisy-like in form, with a multitude of thin, elongated petals radiating around a central core. These blooms tend to have a slightly ruffled appearance, providing a soft, romantic look to the flower heads. The leaves of the pink chicory are quite distinctive. They emerge from the base of the plant in a rosette formation, and they are an elongated lanceolate shape, resembling elongated ovals with a point at the end. Their texture is somewhat coarse, contributing to the plant's hardy appearance. In hue, they are generally a deep green, which contrasts nicely with the pink tones of the flowers. As for the overall structure of the plant, it has a bushy habit, with multiple stems supporting the abundant flowering heads. The plant's visual appeal is heightened during its blooming period when it can become a focal point in a garden setting due to its showy flowers. The pink chicory can lend a cottage-garden feel to landscapes, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies with its open-petaled flowers. Overall, the plant offers both foliage and floral interest, with its greenery providing a lush backdrop for the softly colored blossoms that appear on the top.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Pink Chicory, Pink Endive, Rose Chicory, Rose Endive, Red Chicory
Common names
Cichorium intybus var. foliosum, Cichorium intybus var. sativum.
ToxicityTo humans
Chicory (Cichorium intybus 'Roseum') is generally considered safe for human consumption. Its leaves and roots have been used in cooking and as a coffee substitute or additive. However, consuming chicory in large amounts might lead to side effects due to its inulin content, which might cause digestive discomfort in some individuals, such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. There are also reports of allergic reactions in some individuals with symptoms that can include skin rashes or more severe reactions if one is highly sensitive. Nonetheless, for most people, chicory is not toxic and does not pose serious health risks when consumed in moderate quantities.
To pets
Chicory is not commonly listed as toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. However, as with any plant not typically part of a pet's diet, ingestion of chicory in large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the presence of inulin or other plant fibers. Generally speaking, though, chicory is not considered dangerous for pets, and some pet foods even use chicory root as a source of fiber or prebiotics. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian if your pet has ingested a large amount of any non-typical food or if you notice any adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination of gardens and ecosystems.
- Aesthetic Value: With its rose-pink flowers, it adds a splash of color and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: It is known for its ability to withstand periods of dry weather, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Edible Parts: The leaves can be used in salads and the roots can be roasted as a coffee substitute.
- Soil Improvement: It can be used as a green manure or cover crop, improving soil structure and fertility.
- Easy to Grow: The plant is low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Culinary Uses: Young leaves can be used in cooking, adding a slight bitterness to dishes similar to endive or chicory.
Medical Properties- Prebiotic effects: Chicory root contains inulin, a type of fiber that fosters the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting digestive health.
- Liver health support: Chicory has been traditionally used to support liver function and to protect the liver from toxic substances.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate various inflammatory conditions.
- Blood sugar regulation: Inulin in chicory can help regulate blood sugar levels, making it potentially beneficial for those with diabetes.
- Diuretic effects: Chicory has a mild diuretic effect that can help in flushing toxins out of the body through increased urine production.
- Digestive stimulation: It can stimulate the production of digestive juices, thereby improving digestion.
- Appetite suppressant: The high fiber content in chicory can promote a feeling of fullness, which may help in appetite control and weight management.
- Antioxidant properties: Chicory is rich in antioxidants, which help in neutralizing free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of several diseases.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chicory flowers can be used to add a splash of color to salads or as an edible garnish due to their vibrant hues and mild flavor.
- The plant's roots can be used as a coffee substitute when roasted and ground, giving a rich and slightly bitter flavor.
- Chicory root fiber is a natural source of inulin, a soluble fiber that can be used as a prebiotic to support gut health.
- Chicory leaves may be steeped into a tea, which can offer soothing qualities and serve as a caffeine-free beverage option.
- The plant can be cultivated as a forage crop, providing a valuable food source for livestock due to its nutritional content.
- When harvested young, the leaves can be used in a similar fashion to spinach, either cooked or raw in various dishes.
- Chicory's tall stature and deep blue flowers are beneficial for ornamental use in cottage gardens or wildflower areas to attract pollinators.
- The root system of chicory can help prevent soil erosion due to its structure and depth, making it useful in certain agricultural practices.
- It can be used as a natural dye source, where the flowers provide subtle shades of blue to fabrics or art materials.
- The sap from chicory contains a mild latex that can be explored for use in making rubber or as a binding agent in sustainable products.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chicory is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chicory is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Independence: Chicory is known for its hardy nature, thriving in tough environments, symbolizing a spirit of self-sufficiency and autonomy.
- Frugality: Due to its use as a coffee substitute especially during hard times, chicory represents thrift and the ability to make do with less.
- Resourcefulness: The versatile uses of chicory, from culinary to medicinal, make it a symbol of adaptability and cleverness.
- Unrequited Love: In the language of flowers, chicory can symbolize a love that is not returned, possibly rooted in the plant's ability to grow and flourish on its own.
WaterThe Pink Chicory, commonly known as "Roseum", prefers consistent moisture but doesn't tolerate being waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically translates to about once a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. It is best to water this plant early in the morning to allow the foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. When watering, use enough water to soak the soil around the root zone; for a medium-sized plant, this might mean using about 1 to 1.5 gallons. During the hot summer months, the frequency of watering may increase, and less is required during the cooler months.
LightPink Chicory flourishes best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, it should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. Placing it in a spot that gets morning sunlight and dappled shade in the afternoon can prevent the leaves from scorching in areas with very intense sun. However, the plant is versatile and can adapt to a range of sunlight conditions, although too much shade can reduce flowering and make the plant leggy.
TemperaturePink Chicory is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 90°F; however, its ideal growing temperature is between 65°F and 75°F. It's hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, indicating it can withstand colder winters and still return in the spring. When temperatures start approaching freezing points, ensure the plant is well-mulched to protect the roots from frost damage.
PruningPruning Pink Chicory is primarily for aesthetic purposes and to encourage bushier growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back last year's growth to maintain a desired shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning can also be done after the plant finishes flowering to tidy it up and encourage another bloom cycle in plants that rebloom. Pruning too late in the season should be avoided to prevent inadvertently removing next year's flower buds.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Pink Dandelion (Cichorium intybus 'Roseum'), the best soil mix is well-draining with plenty of organic matter, such as a blend of garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand. It prefers a soil pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingPink Dandelion should be repotted every one to two years or when it becomes root-bound. They prefer not to be disturbed too often, so repot only when necessary.
Humidity & MistingPink Dandelion is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions; however, average room humidity is usually sufficient for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Pink Dandelion near a sunny window; water when the topsoil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant Pink Dandelion in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Cichorium intybus 'Roseum' is Pink Chicory. The life cycle begins with seed germination in the soil, typically during the cool temperatures of spring or autumn. Seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of basal leaves, with a deep taproot developing to store nutrients. During the first year, Pink Chicory primarily focuses on vegetative growth. In the second year, it enters the reproductive phase, sending up stalks that can reach up to 4 feet, topped with pinkish-lavender flower heads that bloom from early summer to fall, attracting pollinators. After flowering, seeds form, mature, and are dispersed, completing the cycle, and the plant typically dies back, as it is a biennial.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Chicory 'Roseum', a variety of Cichorium intybus, is most commonly propagated by seed. The best time to sow chicory seeds is in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked, typically when soil temperatures reach around 50°F (10°C). Sow the seeds directly into the garden or into a seed starting mix in a tray, placing them at a depth of about 1/4 inch (6 mm). The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within a week or two, and the seedlings can be thinned out or transplanted to their final growing positions once they have developed a couple of sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle.
