Winter Savory (Satureja montana) is a hardy, perennial herb with dark green leaves and small flowers that can be lavender, pink, or white. It’s also known as creeping, Spanish, or mountain savory and belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). This herb is recognized for its semi-evergreen leaves and fragrant flowers.
Native to warm temperate regions of southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa, it thrives in well-draining soil and enjoys sunny locations.
In Great Britain, winter savory has been naturalizing itself quite effectively. This hardy plant thrives in dry, rocky environments and is commonly found growing on old walls, banks, and hillsides. It particularly prefers alkaline soils or calcareous soils.
The closely related summer species, Satureja hortensis, is a rapidly growing annual plant. It offers a milder and fresher flavor compared to Satureja montana.
A Brief History of Winter Savory Cultivation
Shalonmooney, Winter Savory 3, CC BY-SA 3.0
Winter Savory (Satureja montana) has been a cherished herb for centuries with its aromatic leaves and peppery flavor. Here is a glimpse into its historical journey:
Ancient Roots:
Winter Savory has ancient origins, dating back to the Mediterranean region. The Romans and Greeks were particularly fond of it. They used it both as a culinary herb and for its medicinal properties. They also believed that this herb aids digestion and helps to cure various illnesses.
Monastic Gardens:
During the Middle Ages, monasteries played a vital role in preserving and cultivating herbs. Monks grew winter savory alongside other medicinal and culinary herbs in their famous monastic gardens.
Cooking Companion:
In medieval European kitchens, winter savory was used as a staple. Cooks used it to add flavor to stews, sauces, and roasted meats. Its peppery taste made it a favorite ingredient in their dishes.
Symbolic Uses:
People used to believe that winter savory had magical powers. They hung it in their doorways to keep bad things away.
Herb of Friendship:
Winter Savory was a symbol of friendship and loyalty. In some traditions, people gave a sprig of winter savory to their friends as a sign of lasting friendship.
Garden Herb:
Today, winter savory still remains a cherished herb in home gardens, appreciated for its low-maintenance nature and hardiness in colder climates.
It’s not just a historical relic; it is still a vibrant addition to your kitchen. Whether you’re seasoning roasted potatoes or infusing oils, this herb brings a delightful burst of flavor to your dishes.
So, the next time you use winter savory, remember its rich history—from ancient cooks to monastic gardeners—and the friendships it has symbolized. As you season your meal, you may just feel a connection to those who came before.
Description
Kurt Stüber [1], Satureja montana1, CC BY-SA 3.0
This perennial evergreen herb is a semi-woody, low-growing plant. It forms compact, multi-branched mounds reaching 4 to 16 inches in height with a 12- to 24-inch spread.
Winter Savory has needle-like or oval-shaped 1-inch leaves. They are slender, glossy, slightly leathery, and highly aromatic. They grow in pairs, appearing opposite to each other on the stems. Small, pretty flowers bloom on the ends of the stems throughout summer, usually between July and October. They sprout in various colors including purple, white, and pink.
These resilient plants can thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9. During winter, they shed most of their leaves and enter dormancy. However, as the days lengthen and temperatures rise, new growth quickly sprouts from the bare stems. Even in winter, many small, year-old stems retain their leaves, allowing you to harvest and use them for cooking as needed.
Winter Savory contains carvacrol, a natural compound present in various plants, which has several potential health benefits for humans.
Benefits of Planting Winter Savory
Winter Savory has many benefits of planting in the gardens. Here are a few of them!
Attracting Pollinators: Winter Savory is highly attractive to pollinators, especially bees. Planting it near hives can result in honey with a pleasant, piney flavor.
Double-Duty Defense: This herb not only attracts beneficial insects but also repels pests. Include it alongside your cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale) to deter cabbage moths.
Flavorful Friend: Winter Savory is said to enhance the taste of both beans and onions when planted as companions. Additionally, it repels bean weevils too!
Rose Guardian: Planting this herb at the base of roses can help reduce aphid and mildew infestations, leading to a healthier rose garden.
Edging Plants: This plant is a great choice for edging garden beds and borders because of its aromatic leaves and compact growth habit.
Resilient Herb: This plant thrives in containers, rockeries, herb gardens, and vertical planters. Its drought tolerance and ability to grow in poor soil make it ideal for rocky areas and slopes.
Growing Winter Savory
This herb thrives in full sunlight and prefers soil with a neutral pH range of 6.0-8.0 that is well-draining and moderately fertile. To enhance the planting soil, mix in one-third organic matter, such as aged compost or well-rotted manure, and one-third coarse sand or grit to improve drainage.
Select a location where the plants can remain undisturbed. Prepare planting holes 8 to 10 inches apart, making them twice as wide and slightly deeper than the root balls.
Incorporate a small amount of bone meal into the planting site to promote strong, healthy root growth. Place the plants in the holes and backfill with the planting mix, gently firming the soil around the roots.
Propagating Winter Savory
Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Satureja montana Cząber górski flower, CC BY 3.0
Winter Savory is often hard to find in grocery stores. Check nurseries with a large herb selection for seedlings. You can also buy plants and seeds online from reputable sellers
These herbs can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and divisions. Each method, as usual, has its own advantages and disadvantages:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are a viable choice for those on a budget or who enjoy the challenge of starting plants from scratch, but they may require more patience and attention.
Pros: Inexpensive, produces multiple plants, and can be started indoors.
Cons: Slower germination rate, potential for genetic variation, and may not be true to the parent plant.
Start your seeds indoors 4-6 weeks ahead of the last expected frost. Lightly sow them on the surface of trays with a prepared starting medium, without covering them with soil, as they need light to germinate. Seeds should sprout in 10-14 days.
Keep the soil slightly moist but make sure, it is not wet. Once the seedlings have at least four sets of true leaves and there’s no risk of frost, transplant them to designated containers or your herb garden. Handle gently to minimize transplant shock.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings are generally considered the most effective method for propagating winter savory, as they balance speed, reliability, and genetic consistency.
Pros: Faster growth, more likely to maintain the characteristics of the parent plant.
Cons: Requires more time and care, may not root as easily, and can be more labor-intensive.
To propagate via cuttings, take 4- to 6-inch cuttings in fall or spring and remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches. Dip the ends of cuttings in powdered rooting hormone, ensuring it completely coats the exposed tissue.
Then, plant them in small pots filled with wet sand or a seed starting mix amended with one-third sand. After 4 to 6 weeks, when roots have formed, transplant the cuttings into larger containers or gardens.
Divisions
Divisions can be a good option if you have an established plant and want to increase your stock quickly.
Pros: Quickest method, maintains the exact characteristics of the parent plant, and can be done in spring or fall.
Cons: Requires an established plant to divide, may not be suitable for all varieties, and can damage the parent plant if not done carefully.
Root division is an effective method for rejuvenating overgrowth in container-grown plants. In spring, carefully remove the plant from its container and gently untangle any tightly wound roots.
Divide the root ball into two or three sections, ensuring each part has healthy roots and stems with green leaves.
Prune away about a third of the top growth and remove any dead or damaged foliage. Replant the divisions in new containers or directly into your garden.
Caring Winter Savory
Kurt Stüber [1], Satureja montana2, CC BY-SA 3.0
Water sparingly and consistently until roots are established. After 4-6 weeks, as plants settle, reduce watering to moderate levels. Let the soil dry out slightly between deep, bi-weekly waterings. For potted plants, as the top inch of soil dries up, start watering carefully.
In spring, apply a layer of organic matter, such as compost, to the soil. Avoid using liquid fertilizers, as winter savory tends to develop better flavor when grown in nutrient-poor conditions.
Prune in early spring before new growth starts, removing last season’s spent seed heads or about one-third of the plant’s overall growth. Regular pruning helps older plants, which can become woody, to encourage new growth and maintain a full, bushy shape.
These herbs can tolerate cold temperatures down to about 10°F. If your area frequently experiences temperatures near this level, choose a sheltered planting location and provide winter insulation.
Applying a 4- to 5-inch layer of straw mulch over the crown and extending it to the drip line helps shield the plants from freezing temperatures and drying winds. Be sure to remove the mulch in spring.
Winter Savory is a short-lived plant, so if grown in gardens, it may need to be replaced every 4 to 5 years. In containers, it typically requires replacement every 2 to 4 years.
Harvesting and Storing Winter Savory
Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Satureja montana Cząber górski 2007-08-11 02, CC BY-SA 4.0
As a perennial, you can pick leaves year-round, though their flavor is best in summer.
Harvest winter savory sprigs in the morning just after the dew has dried. The essential oils are strongest at this time, ensuring the best flavor.
Harvest from mature stalks only. Leave at least half of the stalk to promote new growth.
Keep the fresh sprigs in a small jar of water, away from direct sunlight, until you’re ready to use them. You can also store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Drying:
While the flavor is best fresh, you can also dry your harvest for longer storage.
To dry, tie stems with kitchen twine and hang them in a cool, airy place away from sunlight. Alternatively, dehydrate stems at the lowest setting (95-115°F) for 1-2 hours.
Once dry, gently remove the leaves from the stems. Then, store these whole leaves in an airtight container and place it in a cool, dark spot. When stored ideally, dried leaves can last up to 4 years or more.
Pests and Diseases
Winter Savory is generally hardy and low-maintenance, but watch out for these common pests and diseases:
Pests:
Leafhoppers: These tiny insects suck plant sap, causing yellowing and damage.
Spider mites: These tiny pests also suck sap, leading to leaf spots and discoloration.
Diseases:
Damping-off: Seedlings can suffer from damping-off, a fungal disease that leads to rotting. Avoid overwatering and ensure good ventilation.
Root rot: A fungal disease caused by overwatering in poorly drained soil.
To keep winter savory healthy, plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Regularly inspect plants for pests and take action promptly if you notice any issues.
Quick Reference Guide
| Botanical Name | Satureja montana |
| Common Name | Winter Savory |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 6 – 9 |
| Plant Type | Herb |
| Sun Light Exposure | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day) |
| Soil Type and pH | Neutral, 6.0-8.0 |
| Mature Height and Spread | Height 4 to 16 inches; Spread12- to 24-inches. |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Flower Colours | purple, white, and pink |
| Origin | Mediterranean Basin, Southern Europe, Africa |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, winter savory is a perennial herb. This means it comes back year after year and can live for multiple seasons. Unlike its annual cousin, summer savory, which needs to be replanted each year, winter savory can be a long-lasting addition to your garden.
No, winter savory and rosemary are different plants. While they are both herbs used in cooking, they belong to different botanical families.
Winter savory is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which also includes mint, basil, and oregano.
Rosemary belongs to the Lamiaceae family as well but is in a different subfamily.
Both herbs have distinct flavors and can be used interchangeably in some recipes, but they have different growth habits and appearances.
No, winter savory is not typically considered an invasive plant. It is a native European herb that is well-behaved in most gardens and does not tend to spread aggressively or outcompete other plants.
Winter Savory thrives in full sun conditions. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to produce its best flavor and yield. While it can tolerate some partial shade, it won’t grow as vigorously or produce as much foliage.
Winter Savory is an excellent companion plant. It offers multiple benefits to your garden, such as repelling pests, attracting pollinators, and enhancing soil health.
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