Labrador Tea

The Winters Creek variety of Labrador Tea (ledulm groenlandicum) is a Michigan native evergreen flowering shrub. The varietal selection was made from many candidate specimens to extend the flowering time to cover a period of twenty days. This spreading shrub is compact and will grow to a height of 30 inches. Winters Creek can grow vigorously in wet, boggy, uplands soils, and in floodplains. The upper sides of the slender leaves are olive green; the undersides are covered with woolly hairs. The fine hairs also cover new stems, which help the plants survive desiccation from extreme cold or heat and dry weather conditions. In the late summer, tiny flower buds are formed. In the spring, the floral display is dazzling. Every tiny flower bud will miraculously swell to produce a star-burst cluster of pure white flowers. One of the most beautiful displays in the garden is a planting of Winters Creek alongside Kalmia, Azaleas and High- and Low-bush blueberries. The plant is a stunning addition to any landscape. The leaves can be brewed to make a refreshing herbal tea any time of the year. Plants can be grown successfully in zones 3-7.