About
Satureja hortensis, summer savory, is a bushy annual to 25 cm with narrowly lance-shaped, aromatic, dark-green leaves 3 cm long and spikes of up to five whorled, white flowers in summer. A popular culinary herb with a spicy, peppery flavour for a sunny, well-drained herb garden or container.
About the genus
Satureja, the savories, are annuals, perennials and subshrubs with aromatic, linear to obovate leaves and spike-like clusters of tubular, two-lipped flowers in summer. Culinary herbs and ornamental plants for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Annual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toS Europe
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile well-drained, preferably alkaline soil, in full sun. See savory cultivation for more advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free