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Satureja spp.

savory

Lamiaceae Mediterranean and western Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

Overview

Satureja spp. is a genus of aromatic herbs and small subshrubs in the mint family (Lamiaceae), centered on the Mediterranean region and extending into western Asia. The genus includes annual species such as S. hortensis (summer savory) and perennial subshrubs such as S. montana (winter savory). Plants typically reach 6-16 inches (15-40 cm) tall with narrow, lance-shaped to linear leaves 0.4-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long that release a peppery, thyme-like scent when crushed. Small two-lipped flowers, white to pink or pale lavender, appear in the leaf axils through summer and into autumn. Perennial species form woody-based mounds, while annual species complete their cycle in a single season. The foliage is the part harvested for culinary use. Most species grow on dry, sunny, rocky sites and decline in wet or shaded conditions. Hardiness varies across the genus, from frost-tender annuals to subshrubs hardy to USDA zone 5.

Native Range

Native to the Mediterranean basin, southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, with some species extending into central Asia. Grows on dry, rocky slopes, scrubland, and well-drained open ground.

Suggested Uses

Grown in herb gardens, kitchen gardens, and dry borders, spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart, and in containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L). Low-growing perennial species are used at the front of sunny beds and in rock gardens. The aromatic leaves are harvested for culinary use.

How to Identify

Recognized by narrow, lance-shaped to linear aromatic leaves 0.4-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long on square stems typical of the mint family. Small white to pink or lavender two-lipped flowers cluster in the leaf axils. The peppery scent and narrow leaves separate Satureja spp. from the broader-leaved Thymus spp. and Origanum spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 1'4"

Width/Spread8" - 1'2"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Summer Fall

Flowering occurs through summer into early autumn, roughly June to September in temperate regions. Annual species flower within a few months of sowing, while perennial species bloom from established woody stems. Bees visit the flowers throughout the period.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pink or lavender

Foliage Description

Green to grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand rocky chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun and dry, freely draining soil, including poor and rocky ground. Wet or heavy soils cause root rot, particularly over winter in perennial species. Annual species are sown after the last frost and harvested through summer. Perennial subshrubs are cut back in spring to keep growth dense and are hardy to USDA zone 5 in well-drained sites. Watering is needed only in extended drought once plants are established. Aphids occasionally cluster on soft new growth.

Pruning

Cut perennial species back by about one-third in early spring to limit woody, bare stems. Light trimming during the growing season encourages branching and delays flowering for leaf harvest. Annual species are not pruned.

✓ Toxicity

Non-toxic