Rhododendron groenlandicum
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Rhododendron groenlandicum

Labrador-tea · Bog Labrador Tea · Common Labrador Tea · Greenland Labrador Tea

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: moderate Light: full_sun Toxicity: low
Water every
14 days
Temperature
5–32 °C
Soil pH
4–5
Hardiness
Zone 4–8
Click count
25
Observations
55

Description

Source: leafsnap

Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum) is a low, evergreen shrub that grows in bogs and alpine summits in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. It produces clusters of small, white flowers in June.

🌳 Labrador tea might offer uses beyond its established applications, for instance as a natural source of botanical insecticides. Its secondary metabolites include compounds that have been observed to discourage insect feeding, indicating it could be developed into environmentally friendly pest-management solutions.

🎭 Wealth, Bravery, Might

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 2 weeks

Labrador tea, which originates from peat bogs, thrives in consistently moist environments but can also withstand short periods of dryness. It needs watering every 2 to 3 weeks. As an evergreen plant, its waxy leaves help reduce water loss through transpiration, making it well-suited for colder climates with ice or snow.

Suggested frequency: Every 2 weeks
☀️ Light Full sun

Labrador tea grows best where sunlight is plentiful and continuous throughout the day. It can tolerate areas with less light, although this may affect its healthy growth. Coming from habitats with abundant sun, insufficient light can cause stunted growth, while excessive exposure can lead to leaf burn.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C

Labrador tea is a versatile plant that thrives in ambient temperatures of 41 to 89.6 °F (5 to 32 ℃). It favors a cooler, temperate climate. In regions with harsh winters or extreme summers, seasonal temperature adjustments may be necessary.

Ideal temperature: 5–32.2°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 4-5
Soil pH: 4-5
🌱 Fertilizer

Timing matters for feeding Labrador tea. Begin fertilizing in early spring and continue on a monthly schedule through early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant periods and active growth.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Labrador tea benefits from pruning during the winter months, from early to late in the season. This process helps shape the plant and remove any damaged branches. Light pruning encourages bushier growth and improves air circulation, while avoiding heavy pruning ensures the preservation of its flowers. Regular maintenance not only enhances the plant's health and aesthetic appeal but also promotes vibrant blooms during its dormant phase.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

There is no sufficient data that demonstrates Labrador tea is safe to consume as toxicity varies across species and localities.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Rhododendron
Family
Ericaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
0.61 m to 1.52 m
Mature Spread
1.22 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.76 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer
Native Area
Denmark

Tags (22)

Common Names (4)

en Labrador-tea
en Bog Labrador Tea
en Common Labrador Tea
en Greenland Labrador Tea