Jessie Keith
Family
Lamiaceae
Botanical Name
Satureja montana
Plant Common Name
Winter Savory
General Description
Just as wonderfully flavored but less common than summer savory, winter savory has fine green to grayish green leaves that can be used to flavor a myriad of vegetables and dishes. This low-growing, semi-woody perennial also has visual garden appeal with its dense foliage and pretty summer flowers. It is native to the open, rocky, mountainous regions of southern Europe, so it can withstand some drought too. The plants may have upright and bushy or prostrate and creeping habits, depending on the selection.
Many linear leaves of medium green, sometimes with hints of gray, line the stems. In mid to late summer, whorls of small, tubular, white, lavender-pink, or purple blossoms that attract bees and butterflies appear. The fruits are small, inconspicuous and brown. Plants will occasionally self-sow.
Grow winter savory in full sun and moderately fertile, well-drained soil that is neutral to alkaline. Sharp drainage is essential because excess moisture in winter can cause root and stem rot. As stems lengthen, they become woodier but the continuous harvest of stems should keep new growth coming. Winter savory is evergreen where winters are mild and deciduous in their northernmost hardiness zones.
The leaves of winter savory can be enjoyed fresh or dried. Young stems that have not flowered are the most choice and flavorful. Savory is a classic herb for seasoning beans, green, wax or dried. It has a strong, green flavor with hints of thyme and tarragon. Winter savory can also be used to flavor poultry, fish and stuffing. Ornamentally, this is a wonderful specimen for rockeries, wall plantings or garden edges. The cultivar 'Nana' is a compact variety with foliage that develops purplish hues where winters are mild and 'Prostrate White' has white flowers and a distinctly low, cascading habit.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Sunset Zone
3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Herb
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
12"-16" / 30.5cm - 40.6cm
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Width
10"-22" / 25.4cm - 55.9cm
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Europe, Southern Europe
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Pink, Lavender
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Gray Green, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Edging, Edible, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
