Viburnum setigerum aka Tea Leaf Viburnum

Tea viburnum is widely described as an easy, low- to medium-maintenance shrub once established. Missouri Botanical Garden rates its maintenance as low and notes no serious insect or disease problems, while NC State rates maintenance as medium. PFAF calls it "easily grown" but cautions that it performs poorly in dry conditions and impoverished soils.

Mature tea viburnums typically reach 2.5–4 m (8–12 ft) tall and 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft) wide, with an upright multi-stemmed habit that often becomes leggy as lower leaves are shed. Growth rate is reported as slow by NC State and as medium by PFAF. Leaves are 7–15 cm long, opposite, and ovate-oblong to ovate-lanceolate; the species is celebrated for one of the heaviest fruit displays in the genus, with red drupes 9–11 mm long persisting into autumn.

Viburnum setigerum is native to central and southern China and Taiwan, where the Flora of China records it from Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Zhejiang. It grows naturally in forests and scrub at (200–)800–2,100 m elevation. POWO also notes that it has been introduced to several northeastern US states.

Tea viburnum is hardy in USDA zones 5–7 and is reported as hardy to about –20 °C, tolerating cold winters typical of much of the eastern United States and Britain.

The Flora of China notes that the small white flowers are not fragrant; tea viburnum is grown for its fruit display rather than for scent.

Small white (sometimes white with yellow accents) five-petalled flowers under 1 inch wide are borne in nodding flat-topped or umbel-like cymes 2.5–5 cm across, appearing in spring (April–May) after the leaves expand. Individual blooms are only modestly showy and lack fragrance, but the dense flat clusters are followed by abundant red fruit.

Cultivated forms include the orange-fruited 'Aurantiacum', based on Viburnum setigerum f. aurantiacum Rehder, and the yellow- to orange-fruited f. xanthocarpum Rehder, both selected from cultivated material of Chinese provenance.

Tea viburnum is grown outdoors as a deciduous landscape shrub in temperate climates.

Tea viburnum is propagated by stem cuttings (softwood, semi-hardwood, or hardwood), by layering, and by seed. Seed germination is slow and may take more than 18 months.

Reports of serious problems are rare. Missouri Botanical Garden notes "no serious insect or disease problems," and NC State lists purple mite as the principal pest concern.

Flowers of Viburnum setigerum are self-incompatible, so two or more genetically distinct plants are needed for cross-pollination and the abundant fruit set for which the species is grown.

The leaves are best known as a tea substitute, traditionally brewed by Chinese monks on Mount Emei (Omei) into a sweet tea. The small ovoid red fruit (~12 mm) is reported edible raw or cooked with a sweet flavour, but it contains very little flesh around a single large seed, so PFAF rates the species only 2 out of 5 for edibility.

The leaves brewed by Chinese monks were reported to have medicinal properties, but PFAF and Useful Temperate Plants list no documented medicinal uses, rating the species 0 out of 5 for medicinal value.

Beyond ornamental landscape use, tea viburnum attracts butterflies, is mildly deer-resistant, and developed sufficient horticultural reputation to receive the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Merit in 1925. PFAF and Useful Temperate Plants record no other documented non-ornamental, non-edible uses.

Tea Leaf Viburnum should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Tea Leaf Viburnum loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Tea Leaf Viburnum requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Tea Leaf Viburnum will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

The growth of Tea Leaf Viburnum is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.