Viburnum setigerum (Tea Viburnum)

Viburnum setigerum, commonly known as the Tea Viburnum, is a deciduous shrub renowned for its stunning display of bright red berries. The plant also boasts greenish-white flowers in spring and has a multi-stemmed, upright growth habit.

Viburnum setigerum: An In-depth Look

Native: This species is native to China but has found popularity in gardens and landscapes across different continents.

Plant Type and Habit: It’s a deciduous shrub that tends to grow upright, often forming a rounded shape when mature.

Size: Tea Viburnum typically reaches heights of 8-12 feet (2.4 to 3.6 meters) with a spread of 5-8 feet (1.5 to 2.4 meters), making it a fairly large shrub ideal for creating screens or focal points.

Flowers: The flowers are small, greenish-white, and somewhat inconspicuous, usually appearing in flat-topped clusters. The flowering period for this shrub is in mid to late spring.

Fruits: One of the most notable features is its prolific display of bright red berries that mature in late summer and persist well into winter.

Foliage:The pointed leaves are 3-5 inches (7-12 cm) long,ovate-lanceolate to oblong, and slightly toothed. Their color transitions from blue-green to dark green during the spring and summer, ultimately adopting striking purplish shades in the fall.

Hardiness: This viburnum is hardy in USDA Zones 5-7.

Uses: This plant is often used for hedging, screening, or as a specimen plant in the garden.

Wildlife: The bright red berries are highly attractive to birds, providing a valuable food source in winter.

Deer and Rabbits: The plant is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone

Toxicity: Fruit are ornamental – not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

Invasiveness: Viburnum setigerum is classified as invasive in several U.S states.

Benefits: In addition to its aesthetic appeal, this viburnum provides food for wildlife and can serve as an effective privacy screen. Its berries are especially appreciated in winter, when food sources are scarce for birds.

Key Facts: Perhaps the most standout feature of Tea Viburnum is its vivid red fruit display, which not only adds a pop of color to the winter landscape but also serves a functional role by feeding local bird populations.

How to Grow and Care for Tea Viburnum

Light: Tea Viburnum prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and berry production.

Soil: Plant in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Water: Needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. Established plants have some drought tolerance.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid excessive nitrogen as it can reduce flowering and fruiting.

Pruning: Best time to prune is after flowering, to shape the shrub and remove dead or damaged branches. Over-pruning can reduce berry production.

Propagation: Propagation is mainly through semi-hardwood cuttings in early summer.

Pests and Diseases: Potential pest and disease issues include aphids, viburnum beetle, root rot, botrytis, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Apply appropriate treatments as needed.