Satureja montana aka Savory

Taxonomy

Satureja montana, also known as winter savory or mountain savory, is a perennial, semi-evergreen herb in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to warm temperate regions of southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa, and is cold hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9. This low-growing, multi-branched herb forms dense, slender, highly aromatic leaves that are dark green and glossy, appearing opposite on the stems. Its small, dainty flowers come in colors of mauve, pink, and white and appear on terminal spikes throughout summer. The edible flowers have a spicy, peppery flavor and are used fresh in savory dishes like chicken, fish, and pork. Winter savory can be grown in light, sandy soil from cuttings or seed and goes dormant in winter, but new growth quickly appears on the bare stems once longer days and warmer temperatures return. The closely related summer savory is an annual plant.

Common names

Savory, Winter Savory, Perennial Savory

How to care for Savory

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Savory due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Savory should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Savory thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Perennial Savory.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Savory to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Region of origin

Savory’s native range is S. Europe to N. Africa. Occasionally naturalized in Britain.


More info:
Wikipedia