Satureja montana

Savory is a rather large genus from the lamiaceae family comprising of about 30 species of annuals, perennials, or woody (sub)shrubs. It can be found scattered all over sunny and dry places of North hemisphere, predominantly in the Mediterranean basin. It is a common herb used abundantly in the Balkans where it is known as čubrica, that being either dried, crushed leaves of savory on its own, or a seasoning mixture with savory and other spices.

Winter savory is a hardy evergreen subshrub, sometimes also classified a woody perennial, bearing small, rosemary-like, narrow, bright green, and glossy leaves releasing a strong spicy fragrance. From about mid April appears a profusion of small, pink to purple pink flower which are best removed yet before opening if you grow savory for culinary use.

It naturally forms low, cushion-like mats and overhangs large stones in rockeries and hedging walls. Apart from rockeries its is also used as an evergreen understory in beds and borders where it creates a perfect background for any evergreen setting.

Winter savory loves sun and heat and dislikes watering. It will appreciate fertile, alkaline to neutral soil but is not very picky. It can be cultivated in a low planter with perfect drainage. Fully hardy to about -29 °C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 14-02-2022