Log in Start trial

Western Labrador Tea

Rhododendron Columbianum

Design with this plant

Overview

Rhododendron columbianum, commonly known as Western Labrador Tea, is an evergreen shrub native to North America. Typically reaching 1.5-5 feet in height, this hardy plant thrives in zones 5-8. It features leathery green leaves and clusters of showy, pale-yellow flowers blooming in late spring to early summer. Preferring acidic, well-drained soils, it's ideal for boggy areas and woodland gardens, offering year-round interest and native appeal.

Sun Half, ShadeWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 9–10Type Shrub

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — although in some instances it may reach up to 8 feet

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — is an evergreen shrub native to North America

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — It thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates as long as adequate water is provided

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — with an equivalent spread

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — Gardeners should be cognizant that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — approximately 0.5 inches across

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — commonly known as Western Labrador Tea

Culture

Sun: Half, Shade
Water: Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones: 9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type: Shrub
Family: Ericaceae

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (41)

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — although in some instances it may reach up to 8 feet

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — is an evergreen shrub native to North America

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — It thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates as long as adequate water is provided

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — with an equivalent spread

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — Gardeners should be cognizant that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — approximately 0.5 inches across

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — commonly known as Western Labrador Tea

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — offering year-round interest and native appeal

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — It features leathery green leaves and clusters of showy

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — It typically grows to a height of 2 to 5 feet

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — pale-yellow flowers blooming in late spring to early summer

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — it boasts clusters of delicate white to pale pink flowers that provide a modest yet appealing visual interest

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — is a distinctive evergreen shrub indigenous to the moist coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — Typically reaching 1.5-5 feet in height, this hardy plant thrives in zones 5-8

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — it's ideal for boggy areas and woodland gardens

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — which are notably lance-shaped

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — The undersides possess a unique rusty coloring, attributed to the dense covering of fine hairs

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — measuring about 1 to 2 inches in length

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — With its unique foliage and attractive flowers

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — the plant is relatively low maintenance but does require consistent moisture

Western Labrador Tea (Rhododendron Columbianum) — In spring to early summer

Rhododendron Columbianum

Rhododendron Columbianum

Rhododendron Columbianum

Photographs by 9 contributors

Walter Siegmund (talk), CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Alex Abair, CC BY 4.0 · source
Thayne Tuason, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
brewbooks from near Seattle, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Tom Hilton, CC BY 2.0 · source
Jason Hollinger, CC BY 2.0 · source
Western Arctic National Parklands, CC BY 2.0 · source
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
John Rusk from Berkeley, CC BY 2.0 · source

Related plants

Aglo Rhododendron (Rhododendron 'Aglo') — Growing to a moderate size

Broadleaf Evergreen

Aglo Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Aglo'

Alaska Azalea (Azalea 'Alaska') — The Alaska Azalea (Rhododendron 'Alaska') is a hardy deciduous shrub

Shrub

Alaska Azalea

Azalea 'Alaska'

HalfUSDA 9–11

Albert-Elizabeth Rhododendron (Rhododendron 'Albert-Elizabeth') — Rhododendron 'Albert-Elizabeth', distinguished by its large magenta flowers, blooms in late

Shrub

Albert-Elizabeth Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Albert-Elizabeth'

FullUSDA 6–10

Anah Kruschke Rhododendron (Rhododendron 'Anah Kruschke') — making it a substantial addition to garden borders

Shrub

Anah Kruschke Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Anah Kruschke'

FullUSDA 6–10

Autumn Amethyst Azalea (Azalea Encore 'Autumn Amethyst®') — The Autumn Amethyst™ Encore® Azalea (Rhododendron 'Conlee') is a versatile evergreen

Shrub

Autumn Amethyst Azalea

Azalea Encore 'Autumn Amethyst®'

FullUSDA 6–10

Autumn Sunset Azalea (Azalea Encore 'Autumn Sunset®') — The Autumn Sunset Azalea (Azalea Encore 'Autumn Sunset®') is a striking, repeat-blooming shrub

Shrub

Autumn Sunset Azalea

Azalea Encore 'Autumn Sunset®'

FullUSDA 6–10