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Thé du Labrador en fleurs, arbuste indigène au feuillage persistant.

Shrub Ericaceae

Native shrubs for wet and boggy sites

Labrador Tea

Name: Labrador Tea ( Rhododendron groenlandicum )
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMGR3
Price: 6.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Rhododendron groenlandicum

Product code : AKENE-0054

Native evergreen shrub with aromatic peatland foliage.

Quantity: About 50 seeds
Exposure: Sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Perennial
Hardiness: Zone 2 to 6

Common nameLabrador Tea

FamilyEricaceae

GenusRhododendron

Speciesgroenlandicum

Cultivar

TypeShrub

Botanical nameRhododendron groenlandicum

Reproducible seedsYes

Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum) is an iconic native shrub of Quebec peatlands, valued for its aromatic evergreen foliage and delicate white flowers. Its dark green leaves with brown undersides provide unique texture and a distinctive resinous fragrance that adds sensory interest to the garden. In spring, clusters of white flowers brighten acidic habitats and attract bees and other pollinators adapted to northern landscapes.

Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum) thrives in very acidic, peaty, nutrient-poor soils that remain consistently cool and moist. It prefers sun to partial shade and requires little maintenance once established. Seeds are surface sown after cold stratification because they require light for germination. A mulch of conifer needles or acidic organic matter helps retain moisture and maintain the natural conditions required by this peatland plant.

Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum) is ideal for bog gardens, acidic woodland landscapes, and natural plantings inspired by Quebec ecosystems. Its aromatic leaves have a long tradition of moderate use in herbal infusions, while its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest. Combined with wintergreen, sheep laurel, and cranberry, it helps create pollinator-friendly habitats and biodiverse northern gardens.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

Surface sowing

Spacing / density

60 to 120 cm (24 to 48 in)

Germination temperature

18 to 20 °C

Germination time

Slow and irregular germination, generally in 30 to 90 days

Sowing period

Spring after stratification

Propagation

Seed propagation after cold stratification and division

Cold stratification

Yes

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

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

4.0 to 5.5

Minimum temperature

-45 °C (-49 °F)

Care level

Low

Watering

Keep moist with low-mineral water

Soil type

Acidic, peaty, poor and moist

Fertilization

Light acidic organic matter

Moisture

High; moist to wet, acidic, peaty soil

Seasonal care

Maintain acidity, moisture, and add acidic mulch.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

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.

Thé du Labrador dans son milieu naturel.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

100 cm

Width / spread

120 cm

Flower color

White

Foliage color

Dark green with brown undersides

Foliage type

Evergreen

Growth rate

Slow

Growth habit

Low, upright and rounded shrub

Fragrance

Highly aromatic, resinous and camphor-like foliage

Bloom period

May to June

Fruiting

Seed capsules

Days to maturity

Slow growing; several years to full maturity

Harvest

Leaves from spring to summer

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Wintergreen, sheep laurel, cranberry, round-leaved sundew

Plants to avoid

Lavender, santolina, rosemary, sedum

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Dried leaves traditionally used for infusion, only with moderation and caution

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

Your questions,answered.

When should Labrador Tea be sown?

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

Can its leaves be harvested?

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

What soil is best?

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

Is it suitable for Quebec?

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

Does it attract pollinators?

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

Wildlife and pets