Labrador tea
Rhododendron groenlandicum · Ericaceae
📷 Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Feuilles contiennent des diterpènes toxiques. Ingestion : troubles digestifs, irritation buccale chez chiens, chats et enfants.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around labrador tea and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, dark green, slightly aromatic
- Flowering
- May to June, small white to pale pink flowers in clusters
- Mature size
- 0.6 m tall, spreading and branched
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, resists down to -30°C
- Origin
- Arctic and subarctic regions of Greenland and North America
- Soil type
- Acidic, peaty, well-draining, humus-rich
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Plant it in acidic soil, peaty if possible, and moist but not waterlogged. Mulch thickly (8 cm) with acidic compost.
The common mistake
Planting it in neutral or alkaline soil causes yellowing and leaf drop despite watering.
The pro's trick
Water with soft rainwater; if you must use tap water, let it sit for 24h first.
Care
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during dry and hot periods. This plant enjoys a cool environment and naturally retains moisture well in peaty soil. Reduce watering slightly in winter.
Exposure
Place Greenland Labrador tea in partial shade or semi-shade. It tolerates direct sun in cold regions, but dislikes hot southern exposures. A location sheltered from dry wind is ideal.
Soil and substrate
Use soil that is strictly acidic (pH 4 to 5.5), rich in peat or leaf mold. Drainage must remain good to prevent root rot. Enrich the soil with organic matter when planting.
Pruning and maintenance
Pruning is not necessary except to remove dead or damaged branches after winter. Gently pinch young shoots to encourage a more compact and dense habit. Remove spent flowers to redirect energy.
Fertilizing
Apply ericaceous plant fertilizer in spring and early summer. Be moderate with applications: this plant is not greedy. Choose a form that respects soil acidity.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew and rust in case of excessive humidity or stagnant air. Spider mites can appear in dry conditions. Promote good ventilation and well-drained soil to prevent these problems.
Did you know?
Greenland Labrador tea has been traditionally used by Nordic peoples for centuries to prepare a winter infusion renowned for its invigorating properties. Its evergreen and aromatic foliage allows it to survive extreme winters and transform arctic peatlands into spectacular mountain gardens in spring.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.