Satureja montana (Winter Savory)

Satureja montana (Winter Savory) is a dwarf, woody-stemmed, shrubby perennial prized for its stiff, narrowly lance-shaped, aromatic, dark green leaves which can be used fresh or dried to flavor food. Their aroma is strong, peppery with a hint of marjoram, thyme, and mint. Winter Savory blooms profusely in summer, boasting whorls of small white to lilac flowers that are attractive to bees. The flavor is better before the plant flowers. For thousand years, people have used savory as a culinary herb to flavor beans, season meat, and add a thyme-like taste to their meals. Savory is a key herb in Herbes de Provence, a famous French blend of dried herbs native to Provence, alongside marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and oregano.

• Grows up to 6-15 in. tall (15-37 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in moderately fertile, preferably alkaline, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established. In cold areas, give plants winter protection.
• Great for beds and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens or Mediterranean gardens or containers. Use in rock gardens, as a dwarf clipped hedge in the herb garden.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Cut back old shoots in early spring.
• Harvest the leaves fresh as required, and dry or freeze them in sealed containers.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer.
• Native to Southwestern Asia, Southern Europe.