'Sasaba' Holly Tea Olive has dramatic dark green deeply incised leaves on a compact, shade loving plant. Dr. Michael Dirr calls it "A plant handler's worst nightmare" because the leaves are very stiff and prickly. Of course, that is what makes it a wonderful evergreen for deer country. The insignificant flowers appear in November and are highly, deliciously fragrant. There is a lovely large plant at the Scott Arboretum, home of so many specimen plants. Slow growing, with good cold tolerance.

• Category: Woody Ornamentals
• Alternate Cultivar: Sasaba
• Hardiness Zone: 6
• Height: 6 Feet
• Spread: 4 Feet
• Bloom Color: White