Satureja montana

RHS Plant Profile
winter savory

Other common names

winter savoury

Herbaceous Perennial Herbs - Culinary

A dwarf, sub-shrubby perennial up to 40cm tall and 20cm wide with narrowly lance-shaped dark green, or greyish-green leaves and dense spikes of small, whorled purple flowers in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen, Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Satureja can be annuals, perennials or subshrubs with aromatic, linear to obovate leaves and spike-like clusters of tubular 2-lipped flowers in summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
S Europe to Lebanon

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile well-drained, preferably alkaline soil, in full sun. See savory cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back old shoots in early spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free