Labrador tea Rhododendron groenlandicum
Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Ericaceae family, native to Boreal bogs of Canada, Alaska and Greenland. It grows 30 cm–1 m (12 in–3.3 ft) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -45 °C (-49 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Labrador tea in your garden →
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Labrador tea at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Mature height | 30 cm–1 m (12 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 3.5–5.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -45 °C (-49 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 2) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Boreal bogs of Canada, Alaska and Greenland |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Labrador tea toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: leaves
Contains grayanotoxins and ledol: weak teas are traditional, strong ones are poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Labrador tea
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Mountain laurel: Mountain laurel and rhododendrons are hosts of Phytophthora ramorum (sudden oak death), which spreads from infected foliage between neighbouring plants. Evidence B
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
Questions about Labrador tea
- How far apart should I plant Labrador tea?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Labrador tea need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Labrador tea need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Labrador tea?
- It tolerates about -45 °C (-49 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 2.
- When does Labrador tea flower?
- From about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Labrador tea poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains grayanotoxins and ledol: weak teas are traditional, strong ones are poisonous.
- What grows well with Labrador tea?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Labrador tea. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- VASCAN: Database of Vascular Plants of Canada, Canadensys / Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Leathery leaves with rusty felt underneath; white flower clusters in early summer. For a bog or peat garden only.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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