Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum)

$10.75

Labrador Tea is a Michigan native evergreen flowering shrub. It is the host plant to the Brown Elfin and 13 other species of butterflies and caterpillars in our area (nwf.org). However, there is little information available on the plant-insect interaction, but this plant family tends to be loved by bees. This spreading shrub is compact, but it can grow vigorously in wet, boggy, uplands soils, and in floodplains. In the spring, the floral display is beautiful! This plant is a stunning addition to any moist landscape. In addition, the leaves can be brewed to make a refreshing herbal tea any time of the year.

This plant used to be Ledum groenlandicum

Photo Credit: USDA

Labrador Tea is a Michigan native evergreen flowering shrub. It is the host plant to the Brown Elfin and 13 other species of butterflies and caterpillars in our area (nwf.org). However, there is little information available on the plant-insect interaction, but this plant family tends to be loved by bees. This spreading shrub is compact, but it can grow vigorously in wet, boggy, uplands soils, and in floodplains. In the spring, the floral display is beautiful! This plant is a stunning addition to any moist landscape. In addition, the leaves can be brewed to make a refreshing herbal tea any time of the year.

This plant used to be Ledum groenlandicum

Photo Credit: USDA

Life Cycle: Perennial

Sun Exposure: Full, Partial sun

Soil Moisture: Wet, Medium-Wet

Height: 1-3 feet

Plant Spacing:

Bloom Time: June

Bloom Color: White

Advantages: Pollinator Favorite, Recommended, but can be vigorous

Host Plant: Possibly the Northern Blue (butterfliesandmoths.org), the Brown Elfin, and 13 other species of butterflies and caterpillars in our area (nwf.org)

Complementary Plants: Kalma, Azaleas, and High and Low bush blueberries.