Satureja montana

Satureja montana (17/08/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 40cm

Eventual Spread: 30cm

Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11

Family: Lamiaceae

Satureja montana is a semi evergreen perennial herb with an upright habit and a woody structure. Its dark green leaves are ovate to lanceolate with entire margins, are fragrant when crushed, up to 2cm long and 5mm broad. Its white/ pale purple flowers appear as dense terminal spikes.

Satureja montana Flower (17/08/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Satureja montana, commonly known as Winter Savory, is native to south Europe. In its native habitat it grows on rocky hillsides. This plant has a long history of use within the kitchen.

The etymological root of the binomial name Satureja is the Latin name in Pliny for a culinary herb. Montana is from the Latin meaning ‘of the mountains’.

The landscape architect may find Satureja montana useful as part of a herb or wildlife garden planting scheme. Once established this herb is drought tollerant.

Ecologically, Satureja montana flowers are very attractive to pollinating insects.

Satureja montana Leaf (17/08/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Satureja montana prefers moist, well-drained soils. It will tolerate most pH of soil. It dislikes wet soils. It will tolerate poor soils.

Satureja montana requires little maintenance.