Can I grow this in a standard garden bed?

Only if you can provide consistently moist, acidic soil and cool temperatures.

Is it really safe to drink Labrador tea?

No, it is not recommended due to the presence of toxic compounds that can cause illness.

Plant guide

Labrador Tea.

Rhododendron groenlandicum

Pronounced roh-doh-DEN-dron gro-en-LAN-di-kum

Also known as Bog Labrador Tea, Greenland Labrador tea, Labrador tea, Labrador-tea, Rusty Labrador-Tea, common Labrador tea

Labrador tea is a lovely, hardy evergreen shrub that thrives in cool, boggy environments. It produces clusters of small, white flowers that look like delicate lace in the spring. You will find it naturally growing in acidic, moist soils across northern regions.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 1 to 3 feet
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 2 to 6
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist to mimic its native boggy habitat. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the soil is too dry or lacks sufficient acidity. Ensure the plant has plenty of airflow to prevent fungal issues.

Watering: Keep the soil damp at all times but avoid letting it sit in stagnant water.
Feeding: Use an acid-loving plant fertilizer sparingly during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a tidy shape.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes rootbound in its container.
Soil: Acidic, peaty, and moist soil
Soil pH: 4.5 to 5.5
Temperature: -40 to 25°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth

Safety

People: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested due to grayanotoxins.
Pets: This plant is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant away from children because all parts are poisonous if eaten.
Contact allergens: The underside of the leaves is covered in dense, rusty hairs that can cause skin irritation.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause mild reactions in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: The leaves contain andromedotoxin and should not be consumed as tea or in any other form.

How to identify it

Leathery evergreen leaves with rusty undersides
Small white flowers in terminal clusters
Edges of leaves are rolled downward
Fragrant foliage when crushed

Height: 0.3 to 1m
Spread: 0.3 to 1m
Leaves: dark green, rusty brown, evergreen
Flowers: white, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: brown, Late summer

Problems to watch for

Root RotCommon
ChlorosisUncommon
Leaf ScorchUncommon
PhytophthoraUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed, layering
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: It is extremely cold hardy and requires no special protection in winter. Ensure the soil remains moist but not frozen solid in a way that prevents water uptake if the ground is not fully dormant.
In containers: It is difficult to maintain in containers unless you provide a specialized acidic peat mix and keep it very moist.

Softwood cuttings

1. Take cuttings in early summer.
2. Dip in rooting hormone.
3. Place in a moist peat and perlite mix.
4. Cover with plastic to maintain high humidity.

Group this plant with other acid loving bog species to ensure consistent soil conditions.

Grows well with

Bog Rosemary · They share similar requirements for acidic, boggy conditions.
Cranberry · This groundcover thrives in the same wet, acidic environment.

Similar species

Bog Laurel · It occupies similar wetland habitats and has a comparable growth habit.

Science

Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Rhododendron
Order: Ericales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Northern North America, including Greenland and Canada.
Conservation: This plant is secure throughout its wide northern range.

It survives in acidic, waterlogged soils by forming symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, cover for small wildlife
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental shrub, bog garden plant, native plant restoration

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 2/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 2/9
Moisture: 8/9
Nutrients: 2/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I grow this in a standard garden bed?: Only if you can provide consistently moist, acidic soil and cool temperatures.
Is it really safe to drink Labrador tea?: No, it is not recommended due to the presence of toxic compounds that can cause illness.

Where the name comes from

The species name groenlandicum refers to its presence in Greenland, while the common name Labrador tea reflects its historical use in northern regions.

Good to know

It thrives in acidic, nutrient poor bogs.
The leaves are highly aromatic when crushed.
It is a slow growing shrub that prefers cool climates.
The rusty hairs on the leaf undersides are a key identification feature.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.