Winter savory Satureja montana
Winter savory (Satureja montana) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Mountains of southern Europe and the Mediterranean. It grows 20–40 cm (8–16 in) tall and 25–40 cm (10–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -23 °C (-9 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Winter savory in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Winter savory at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–40 cm (10–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -23 °C (-9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 7–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flowering tops |
| Native to | Mountains of southern Europe and the Mediterranean |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Winter savory toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Culinary herb; not listed as toxic in ASPCA references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Winter savory
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Winter savory
- How far apart should I plant Winter savory?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–40 cm (10–16 in).
- Does Winter savory need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Winter savory need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Winter savory?
- It tolerates about -23 °C (-9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Winter savory flower?
- From about July for 7–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Winter savory poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Culinary herb; not listed as toxic in ASPCA references.
- What grows well with Winter savory?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Winter savory. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Evergreen subshrub that needs sharp drainage; shear after flowering.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare