Winter Savory

(Satureja montana)

Winter Savory (Satureja montana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Satureja montana, commonly known as Winter Savory, is an evergreen perennial herb originating from limestone scree and rocky places in the Mediterranean, including Southern Europe, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. It typically grows to a height of 0.5-1 feet and a width of 1-2 feet, forming a low, bushy mound. The plant is adorned with small, lance-shaped, aromatic leaves and produces whorls of tiny, tubular flowers that are typically white to pale purple, blooming in late summer. The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Winter Savory is valued for its culinary uses, as its peppery-flavored leaves can be used fresh or dried to season a variety of dishes. It is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities, making it a suitable choice for border planting, herb gardens, and as an edging plant. Winter Savory thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil, tolerating drought once established. It is a low-maintenance plant that can be propagated by softwood cuttings. Additionally, it serves as a beneficial companion plant, reputed to deter pests when planted near beans and roses. It is hardy to USDA Zone 4 and can survive cold winters by going dormant and resprouting leaves in spring. Avoid cutting back the plant in winter, as the seemingly dead stems will leaf out again. Potential problems include root rot in overly moist soils and mildew if air circulation is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Limestone scree and rocky places in the Mediterranean

Other Names

Common Names: Mountain Savory, Savory, Winter-Bohnenkraut, Winterbohnenkraut, Ajedrea, Ajedrea De Monte, Hisopillo, Tomillo Real, Sarriette Des Montagnes, Sarriette Vivace

Scientific Names: , Satureja montana, Micromeria montana, Clinopodium montanum, Satureja confinis, Saturiastrum montanum, Thymus montanus,

GBIF Accepted Name: Satureja montana L.