Labrador Tea

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

Sale Sold out

Labrador tea, Rhododendron groenlandicum, in bloom, a native shrub with evergreen foliage. Labrador Tea is a native evergreen shrub of bogs and boreal landscapes, valued for aromatic foliage and delicate white flowers. Its dark green leaves have a brownish underside, giving the foliage a distinctive texture. A characteristic resinous fragrance adds sensory interest to this evergreen planting.

Native shrub Ericaceae

Native shrubs for wet and boggy sites

Akène

Rhododendron groenlandicum

Common nameLabrador Tea

FamilyEricaceae

GenusRhododendron

Speciesgroenlandicum

TypeNative shrub

Botanical nameRhododendron groenlandicum

Reproducible seedsYes

Quantity per packetAbout 50 seeds

Labrador Tea is a native evergreen shrub of bogs and boreal landscapes, valued for aromatic foliage and delicate white flowers. Its dark green leaves have a brownish underside, giving the foliage a distinctive texture. A characteristic resinous fragrance adds sensory interest to this evergreen planting. In spring, clusters of white blossoms brighten acidic habitats and attract bees and other pollinators associated with northern landscapes. Rhododendron groenlandicum reaches 120 cm (47.2 in) in height. The persistent leaves remain a central feature of its appearance, making this shrub particularly characteristic of peatlands and the acid-loving vegetation of boreal habitats.

Grow Labrador tea in sun to partial shade, with acidic, peaty, low-nutrient soil that stays moist. Surface-sow Labrador tea seeds on an acidic, peat-based growing medium and leave them uncovered. Place the sowing in the light. After emergence, gradually ventilate the cover without letting the tiny seeds or young seedlings dry out. Container growing is possible in a broad pot with a very acidic mixture of peat and low-nutrient organic material. The root environment should reflect the specialized conditions of this bog shrub, rather than the rich ordinary potting soil used for less acid-dependent garden plants.

Labrador tea contains potentially toxic compounds, so its traditional uses do not justify improvised food preparations. Grow it for bog gardens, acid-loving woodland plantings and naturalistic displays inspired by northern ecosystems. Combine it with wintergreen, sheep laurel and cranberry to create an acidic planting that provides pollinator habitat and supports biodiversity. For a container garden, reproduce the conditions of its acid-loving habitat with a low-nutrient peat-based mixture. A heavily enriched ordinary potting soil does not match this shrub's requirements. Its botanical identity, Rhododendron groenlandicum, and its specialized growing needs should guide the design of this evergreen display.

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Perennial
Hardiness: Zone 1

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

Surface

Spacing / density

50 cm (19.7 in)

Germination temperature

18 to 20°C (64.4 to 68°F)

Germination time

15 to 30 days

Sowing period

Spring after stratification

Propagation

Place the tiny seeds on the surface of an acidic, peat-based growing medium without covering them. Refrigerate the moist, covered container for 30 days. Then move the sowing into light and gradually ventilate the cover after emergence, without allowing the tiny seeds to dry out. Cold stratification is required, while scarification is not.

Cold stratification

Yes

Growing method

For labrador tea seeds, follow this protocol: place the tiny seeds on the surface of an acidic, peat-based growing medium without covering them. Refrigerate the moist, covered container for 30 days. Then move the sowing into light and gradually ventilate the cover after emergence, without allowing the tiny seeds to dry out. Cold stratification is required, while scarification is not. Sowing depth: Surface. Germination: 15 to 30 days. Allow 50 cm (19.7 in) between plants in their permanent position. Grow labrador tea in full sun to partial shade, providing a suitable root environment for the young plants as they become established. For establishment, choose soil that is peaty, acidic, low-nutrient and wet. Prepare clean containers with drainage holes and moisten the growing medium before distributing the seeds. Level the surface of the growing medium before sowing. This supports an even distribution of seed and helps prevent watering from washing small seeds into the corners of the container, where they would become crowded together. The period of seed pretreatment and the time needed for germination are two separate stages. Include both stages when planning your sowing calendar, rather than counting only the days that pass after the seed is sown. Labrador tea contains potentially toxic compounds, so its traditional uses do not justify improvised food preparations.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Moisture

High; moist to wet, acidic, peaty soil

Care level

Easy

Watering

Adjust watering for labrador tea to establishment and soil moisture. Keep moisture steady throughout the growing medium around the root zone and watch young plants particularly closely during dry periods. Check the condition of the growing medium below the surface, because a pot can dry more quickly than a planting in the ground. Water gently at the base without moving seeds or exposing small roots.

Soil type

Labrador tea needs acidic, peaty, low-nutrient soil that remains moist. Avoid lime amendments and heavily enriched growing media. Check the mixture before planting and keep moisture around the roots. In containers, use a mixture intended for acid-loving plants rather than a strongly fertilized general-purpose potting soil. A garden site that is already acidic makes it easier to maintain these conditions for this specialized bog shrub.

Fertilization

A light application of acidic organic matter better matches the needs of labrador tea. First assess soil fertility and the plant's condition before adding a product. Concentrated fertilizer cannot correct poor drainage or weakened roots. The aim is balanced growth that suits the condition of the soil and the stage of the growing season. Avoid trying to force faster establishment by applying a large dose of fertilizer to the young plant.

Seasonal care

For labrador tea, keep acidic soil moist to wet beneath suitable organic mulch. Water in dry spells and avoid lime amendments. Renew mulch as needed to preserve moisture and acidity. In spring, watch for renewed growth before removing dry stems or branches. Carefully remove material that is actually dead or damaged. Check the moisture below the soil surface, and remove competing plants from around young specimens. The aim is to help them establish without unnecessarily disturbing the roots that are developing beneath the growing plant. In summer, adjust watering to rainfall, heat and the actual condition of the soil. Inspect new growth instead of watering automatically on a fixed schedule. Soil that is still moist does not need the same amount of water as a dry growing medium. A plant in a pot often needs more frequent observation, so use the condition of its soil to guide your response. After flowering, decide whether to keep seeds or reduce self-seeding. Remove spent plant material only when that action matches your purpose for the planting. Plants raised from seed can vary slightly from one another. Note how they behave in your own garden before changing the care of the entire planting, allowing your observations of actual growth to guide any adjustment. Keep the labels for outdoor sowings in place through the seasons. When you return to the planting for spring cleanup, those labels help you recognize emerging seedlings instead of confusing the future crop with weeds.

Container growing

Recommended pot size

30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in.)

Labrador tea can grow in a broad container filled with a very acidic mixture of peat and low-nutrient organic material. Maintain constant moisture and avoid lime-rich water, preserving the conditions of this bog shrub. Sun or light shade encourages dense aromatic foliage. This method is particularly suited to miniature bog gardens and terraces planted with acid-loving species. Match the growing medium to its peaty habitat rather than treating the evergreen shrub as a plant for ordinary rich potting soil. Grow labrador tea in full sun to partial shade, providing a suitable root environment for the young plants as they become established. For establishment, choose soil that is peaty, acidic, low-nutrient and wet. Choose a container with drainage holes through which excess water can leave freely. Position the pot so that its drainage openings remain clear and accessible. Drainage depends on the growing medium as well as on the openings in the container. A layer of stones cannot replace a potting mixture suited to the plant's roots, so consider both the soil mixture and the outlet for excess water. Firm the growing medium lightly around the roots after planting, then water so that the medium settles into contact with the root ball. Let the excess water escape from the container instead of leaving it around the roots.

Labrador tea, Rhododendron groenlandicum, in its natural habitat. Labrador Tea is a native evergreen shrub of bogs and boreal landscapes, valued for aromatic foliage and delicate white flowers. Its dark green leaves have a brownish underside, giving the foliage a distinctive texture. A characteristic resinous fragrance adds sensory interest to this evergreen planting.

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

120 cm (47.2 in)

Width / spread

60 to 120 cm (24 to 47 in.)

Flower color

White

Foliage color

Dark green with brownish undersides

Foliage type

Evergreen

Growth rate

Slow

Growth habit

Low, upright, rounded shrub

Fragrance

Strongly aromatic foliage with resinous and camphor notes

Edible parts

Dried leaves traditionally used in infusions, only in moderation and with caution

Bloom period

Labrador tea flowers from May to June. Rhododendron groenlandicum is a native bog shrub with aromatic evergreen foliage and delicate white flowers. In spring, clusters of blossoms brighten acidic habitats and attract bees and other pollinators associated with northern landscapes. Its flowering suits bog gardens, acid-loving woodland plantings and naturalistic displays inspired by boreal ecosystems. The white clusters bring a seasonal contrast above persistent green leaves in these specialized acidic gardens. The persistent foliage remains aromatic after the white flowering season.

Fruiting

Labrador Tea produces seed capsules. Fruit or seed formation depends on the maturity of the plants and on flowering conditions. Watch their development before harvesting: structures that are still green have not necessarily reached maturity. Leave a portion on the plant when this matches your naturalization or wildlife-observation goals. In Rhododendron groenlandicum, these capsules are seed-bearing structures, so observe the capsule stage itself when following the plant's development after flowering.

Days to maturity

Slow growth; several years to reach full maturity

Harvest

Harvest leaves from spring to summer before they age.

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Suggested companions for Labrador Tea include wintergreen, sheep laurel, cranberry, round-leaved sundew. Give every plant enough room to develop. A successful combination does not require every species to be crowded into the same root zone. Keep enough room for each plant to grow into its mature shape, rather than pressing all the companions tightly together at planting time. These combinations are based on compatible requirements for light and moisture as well as on contrasts in growth habit and foliage. Consider both the growing conditions and the different forms of the plants when placing them together.

Garden use

Plant Labrador tea in a natural garden, bog garden or northern-inspired landscape where acidic soil suits its requirements. Its evergreen foliage provides interest throughout the year. Traditional aromatic leaf uses require moderation and caution, rather than treating the shrub as an ordinary culinary herb. Labrador tea contains potentially toxic compounds, so its traditional uses do not justify improvised food preparations. Grow it for bog gardens, acid-loving woodland plantings and naturalistic displays inspired by northern ecosystems. Combine it with wintergreen, sheep laurel and cranberry to create an acidic planting that provides pollinator habitat and supports biodiversity. Reserve a growing space that corresponds to the size of the mature plant when you first plant it, even though the young specimens may still seem small. Locate paths, neighbouring plantings and structures before digging. Position taller plants so that they do not continually shade the lower-growing species. Watch the planting develop through successive seasons, then adjust boundaries and open spaces according to actual growth instead of filling every gap at the outset. Companion plants help create a coherent design, but they do not promise automatic protection against insects or diseases. Keep the planting consistent with its acid-loving bog habitat.

Recipe idea

From garden to table

Traditional infusions in moderation

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow labrador tea from seed?

Surface-sow Labrador tea seeds on acidic, peat-based growing medium without covering them. For this controlled preparation, keep the moist, covered container in the refrigerator for 30 days, then place the sowing in the light. After emergence, gradually ventilate the cover without allowing the tiny seeds or seedlings to dry out. This protocol uses cold stratification; scarification is not needed. Leave the seeds exposed rather than adding a layer that would block light. Adjust watering to establishment and soil moisture, keeping the root zone evenly moist and checking developing young plants especially carefully during dry periods as they begin to grow.

Can Labrador tea leaves be harvested?

Labrador tea leaves have a history of traditional use in aromatic infusions, but the plant contains potentially toxic compounds. That history should not be treated as permission for an improvised food preparation. The traditional part described is dried leaf, used only with moderation and caution. Correct identification and attention to the actual plant part are essential; a similar-looking plant must not be substituted. Any material intended for consumption would also have to come from a clean site without incompatible treatments. Do not consume the seeds in this growing packet. Traditional use is not a therapeutic promise or a guarantee of safety.

What soil does Labrador tea need?

Labrador tea needs very acidic, peaty, low-nutrient soil that stays moist to wet. Avoid lime amendments and heavily enriched growing media. Check the mixture before planting and maintain moisture around the roots. In containers, choose a medium made for acid-loving plants rather than a strongly fertilized general-purpose potting soil. A garden site that is already acidic makes these conditions easier to preserve. Adjust watering to the stage of establishment and the actual moisture of the soil. Rhododendron groenlandicum is a bog shrub, so its root environment should retain those acidic, low-nutrient conditions instead of being treated like an ordinary rich garden bed.

Is Labrador tea suited to Quebec?

Yes. Labrador tea suits Quebec where the site retains acidic, moist to wet soil that matches its natural habitat. When caring for Rhododendron groenlandicum through the seasons, keep acidic soil moist to wet beneath suitable organic mulch. Water in dry spells and avoid lime amendments. Renew mulch as needed to preserve moisture and acidity. In spring, watch for renewed growth before removing dry stems or branches. Carefully remove material that is actually dead or damaged. Check the moisture below the soil surface, and remove competing plants from around young specimens. The aim is to help them establish without unnecessarily disturbing the roots that are developing beneath the growing plant.

Does Labrador tea attract pollinators?

For Rhododendron groenlandicum, small white flowers attract native bees, bumblebees and other pollinating insects. Pair with wintergreen, sheep laurel and cranberry for pollinator habitat and evergreen interest. Wildlife associated with Labrador Tea includes bees and pollinators. Companion plants help create a coherent design, but they do not promise automatic protection against insects or diseases. Leave some flowers in place during their season and avoid unnecessarily disturbing insects while you observe visitors to the garden planting. A diverse garden offers resources in succession. This plant is part of that wider habitat rather than a guarantee that any particular animal will appear.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Native plant

Yes

Reported toxicity

Yes

Supporting wildlife

Labrador tea offers shelter and food to various insects in boreal and bog ecosystems. Its evergreen foliage forms a low structure within these distinctive plant communities. Wildlife value therefore concerns insects associated with the habitat, beyond the flowering period alone. A population growing within the surrounding vegetation contributes to the resources of its peatland environment.