Tea viburnum gets its common name because monks from its native China used the leaves to make a medicinal tea. It has a vase shaped habit and is noted for sparse foliage on the bottom portion of the plant. White flowers in May are followed by abundant red fruits in the fall; the fall foliage color is soft red.

Viburnums are a versatile genus of multi-stemmed shrubs that are well suited to the home landscape due to their range of sizes and cultural adaptability. Some viburnums are noted for their fragrant flowers; most bear small fruit that may add visual interest. Many viburnums have attractive fall color. There are over 100 different varieties of viburnum at the Chicago Botanic Garden.