Rhododendron groenlandicum Compactum

Ledum groenlandicum Compactum is the dwarf form of the Labrador Tea, an evergreen subshrub more commonly known as a medicinal and aromatic plant than as an ornamental shrub. Yet this little aromatic bush, also known as Greenland Ledum, is not without its charms, and its Compactum form is even prettier with its large cushion-like appearance adorned with tiny woolly leaves and covered in small white bouquets in the spring. In the garden this cold climate plant requires acidic, moist to damp soil, in a partially shaded site, for example in coniferous undergrowth. 

Greenland Ledum Compactum belongs to the Ericaceae family, like heathers, azaleas and blueberries. It has now been renamed Rhododendron groenlandicum. The wild species, slightly larger, originates from a vast geographical area located in the North of the American continent, from Greenland to Alaska, and it is also present over most of Canadian territory. It is a plant of acidic soils often found in the turf and humus of coniferous undergrowth, always in more or less shaded, moist to damp environments. It can also be found on shaded rocky slopes. It is a well-known medicinal plant among the indigenous peoples of North America.

The 'Compactum' variety slowly forms a rounded bush, usually reaching 50-55 cm (20-22 in) in height and 60-70 cm (23-27 in) in spread. The foliage, evergreen in winter, consists of tiny alternate, single, elliptical to elongated, fairly tough leaves, with the edge curled under. The lamina is quite dark, shiny green on top, the underside being covered with a thick pale green down on the young leaves, becoming rust-coloured on mature leaves. These leaves, practically rot-proof, contain a precious essential oil when young, widely used in modern aromatherapy, whose virtues were already known to the first inhabitants of the northern United States. Flowering occurs in spring, usually in May, in the form of small bouquets or corymbs, almost spherical, 4 to 5 cm (1.6 to 2 in) in diameter, composed of small white flowers with slightly protruding stamens. 

As an ornamental and aromatic plant Labrador Tea Compactum will enjoy moist and shaded ericaceous soil beds, in the company of Japanese azaleas, Leucothoe and camellias, for example. It can be planted in beds under large conifers or at the edge of a perennial grove, provided the soil is always moist. If you have a water feature with sandy and peaty banks, Rhododendron groenlandicum will thrive there without requiring much maintenance, in the company of Acorus, horsetails, carex, Iris kaempferi ensata or louisiana.

Properties :

Greenland Ledum essential oil is renowned for its antibiotic, decongestant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic properties. The indigenous peoples of North America smoked its leaves like tobacco and made a tea with its leaves, as did the first colonial settlers who used it as a tea substitute.