shrubN. America Native

Bog Labrador Tea

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhododendron groenlandicum, commonly known as Bog Labrador tea, is a slow-growing evergreen shrub native to the cold bogs and wet forests of northern North America. It forms a low, dense, rounded mound of leathery, dark green leaves distinguished by their strongly rolled edges and thick, woolly, rust-colored undersides.

In late spring, terminal clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers erupt at the branch tips, displaying exceptionally long, prominent stamens that attract native bees and butterflies. The foliage contains grayanotoxins, making all parts of the plant highly toxic if ingested by livestock, pets, or humans.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers year-round interest with its dense, evergreen foliage, rusty leaf undersides, and clusters of starry white flowers.

Thrives in saturated, highly acidic soils where few other ornamental shrubs can survive.

Provides nectar for native bees and butterflies, and serves as the larval host plant for the Northern Blue butterfly.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

39"

Width

39"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and highly acidic soil, ideally with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5.
Incorporate generous amounts of peat moss, composted pine bark, or acidic muck to mimic a natural bog environment.
Plant container-grown specimens at the same depth they were in the pot, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist and never dries out.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as pine needles or shredded bark, to conserve soil moisture and keep roots cool.

Pro Tip

Never prune back into old, leafless wood; this species lacks dormant buds on old stems, and hard cutting will kill the branch.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil consistently moist to wet at all times.
Test soil pH regularly to ensure it remains strictly acidic.
Use rainwater or acidified water if your tap water is alkaline.

Don't

Do not allow the root zone to dry out even temporarily.
Do not prune hard into old, brown, leafless wood.
Do not apply standard high-phosphorus fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Mulch
Propagate
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bog gardensRain gardensNative restoration plantingsWet woodland margins

Companion Plants

Kalmia polifolia Vaccinium macrocarponChamaedaphne calyculata Sarracenia purpurea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bog Labrador Tea questions

What zones can Bog Labrador Tea grow in?

Bog Labrador Tea is hardy in USDA Zones 4–6. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bog Labrador Tea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Bog Labrador Tea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Bog Labrador Tea bloom?

Bog Labrador Tea typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bog Labrador Tea need full sun?

Bog Labrador Tea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.