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Labrador Tea

Name: Labrador Tea
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMGR3
Price: 6.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name Labrador Tea

Latin name Rhododendron groenlandicum

Quantity per packet Minimum 50 seeds

This native shrub supports biodiversity while providing aromatic foliage traditionally valued for herbal infusions. It thrives where few other cultivated shrubs succeed.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameLabrador Tea

Latin nameRhododendron groenlandicum

FamilyEricaceae

TypeShrub

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 50 seeds

Code produitAKENE-0054

Product
description

Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum) is an iconic native shrub of Quebec’s peatlands, wet heaths, and acidic northern habitats. Its evergreen dark green foliage, with brownish undersides, releases a distinctive resinous fragrance that makes it ornamental, sensory, and ethnobotanically significant. In spring, clusters of white flowers attract native bees, bumblebees, and other pollinators. Exceptionally hardy and well adapted to northern conditions, Labrador Tea is an excellent choice for bog gardens, acid-loving woodland plantings, and specialized ecological landscapes.

This species prefers very acidic, peaty, nutrient-poor soil that remains consistently cool to moist. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, provided the substrate stays acidic and no lime-based amendments are added. A mulch of conifer needles or peat moss helps conserve moisture and maintain proper growing conditions. Labrador Tea grows slowly but becomes very durable once established. In containers, it can be grown in an acidic medium and watered with rainwater or low-mineral water.

The aromatic leaves of Labrador Tea are traditionally harvested sparingly from spring through summer to prepare fragrant herbal infusions. In the garden, it combines naturally with Cranberry, Sheep Laurel, Wintergreen, and Roundleaf Sundew to recreate the character of a Quebec bog habitat. Its flowers support pollinators, while its evergreen foliage provides year-round visual interest. With its exceptional hardiness, unique fragrance, and importance in acidic ecosystems, Rhododendron groenlandicum is a valuable plant for naturalistic gardens and northern-inspired landscapes.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodSpring after cold stratification

Best time

Spring after the last frost

Sowing depthSurface sow

Spacing / density

60 to 120 cm (24 to 48 in)

Germination temperature18 to 20 °C (64 to 68 °F)

Germination time15 to 30 days

Propagation

Propagate primarily by seed after cold stratification or by dividing established colonies. Young plants require strongly acidic soil for successful establishment.

Growing
method

Surface sow the seeds after a period of cold stratification using an acidic, peaty growing medium. Keep the substrate consistently moist with non-calcareous water and do not cover the seeds, as light promotes germination. This species is naturally adapted to bogs, wet heaths, and nutrient-poor acidic soils. Slow growth during the first few years is completely normal. Mulching with peat moss or pine needles helps preserve soil acidity. Once established, Labrador Tea requires very little maintenance and withstands severe northern winters exceptionally well.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun to partial shade

Soil

Very acidic, peaty, nutrient-poor soil that remains consistently cool to moist.

Soil pH4.0 to 5.5

Watering

Keep the soil consistently cool to moist without allowing it to dry out. Rainwater or low-mineral water is preferred.

Fertilization

Labrador Tea naturally prefers nutrient-poor soils and requires very little fertilization. A light application of acidic organic matter in spring is sufficient to support healthy growth without disturbing its natural habitat.

Care levelLow

In spring, remove any winter-damaged branches and ensure the soil remains strongly acidic. During summer, maintain consistent moisture without excessive fertilization to preserve its natural growing conditions. In autumn, apply a light mulch of pine needles or peat moss to protect the roots and maintain soil acidity. Avoid lime-based amendments entirely. Once established, Labrador Tea requires virtually no winter protection thanks to its outstanding cold hardiness.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)

Labrador Tea grows well in wide containers filled with a highly acidic growing medium composed of peat moss and low-fertility organic matter. Maintain constant moisture using rainwater or other low-mineral water to preserve the conditions this bog species requires. Full sun to partial shade encourages dense, aromatic foliage. Container growing is especially suitable for miniature bog gardens and patios featuring acid-loving native plants.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its aromatic evergreen foliage and exceptional hardiness make it an outstanding shrub for bog gardens and natural landscapes. It also has important ethnobotanical value through the traditional use of its leaves.

This native shrub supports biodiversity while providing aromatic foliage traditionally valued for herbal infusions. It thrives where few other cultivated shrubs succeed.

Garden use

Labrador Tea is ideal for bog gardens, acid-loving woodland plantings, and ecological landscapes inspired by Canada's northern habitats. It combines beautifully with Cranberry, Sheep Laurel, Wintergreen, and other acid-loving native plants. Its fragrant evergreen foliage provides year-round interest while its spring flowers support native pollinators. It is one of the finest shrubs for restoring or recreating native peatland ecosystems.

Bloom period

May to June

Flower colorWhite

Foliage colorDark green with rusty-brown undersides

Harvest

Leaves harvested from spring through summer

Fruiting

Evergreen aromatic foliage

Wildlife appealPollinators

Size
and facts

Height30 to 120 cm (12 to 48 in.)

Spread60 to 120 cm (24 to 48 in.)

Growth rateSlow

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 2–6

Minimum temperature-45°C (-49°F)

Foliage typeEvergreen

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Wintergreen, Sheep Laurel, Cranberry, Round-leaved Sundew

Avoid planting with

Lavender, Cotton Lavender, Rosemary, Sedum

Recipe
and inspiration

The aromatic leaves of Labrador Tea have traditionally been harvested in moderation from spring through summer and dried for fragrant herbal infusions. The plant has a long history of traditional use among many Indigenous peoples of Canada. The dried leaves may also be added to aromatic blends or used to flavor certain traditional preparations. Because Labrador Tea contains biologically active compounds, it should always be used with moderation and appropriate caution.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Labrador Tea seeds? +

Labrador Tea is best sown in spring after a period of cold stratification, which reproduces the natural germination cycle of this northern species.

Can I harvest the leaves for herbal tea? +

Yes. The leaves have traditionally been harvested in moderation from spring through summer, dried, and used to prepare fragrant herbal infusions.

What type of soil does Labrador Tea need? +

Labrador Tea requires very acidic, peaty, nutrient-poor soil that remains consistently cool to moist throughout the growing season.

Does Labrador Tea attract pollinators? +

Yes. Its abundant white flowers attract native bees, bumblebees, and many other beneficial pollinating insects.

Is Labrador Tea well adapted to Canadian climates? +

Absolutely. Labrador Tea is perfectly adapted to the cold climates of Canada and thrives in harsh northern conditions where many other shrubs cannot grow.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.