Overview
Satureja montana is a herb in the genus Satureja, part of the Q53476 family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall and 0.5 m wide. Satureja montana grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include herb garden and culinary. It is native to S Europe to Lebanon.
About
Satureja montana is an aromatic herb prized for its strongly scented foliage. It grows to about 0.4 m tall with a spread near 0.5 m and produces small summer flowers from July to September. Plant it in full sun on sandy or loamy, well‑drained soil and use it in herb beds or for cooking.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Winter savory
About the genus
Satureja is a genus of aromatic plants of the family Lamiaceae, related to rosemary and thyme. It is native to southern and southeastern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Historically, Satureja was defined broadly and many species of the subtribe Menthinae from throughout the world were included in it.
Wikipedia contributors, "Satureja", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Satureja
In the garden
Satureja montana is an aromatic herb native to southern Europe and neighbouring regions. It remains compact at roughly 0.4 m high with a spread of about 0.5 m, and brings small summer flowers between July and September that sit above its fragrant leaves. Choose a full‑sun position in sandy or loamy ground that drains freely; the plant prefers soil that is moist but well‑drained rather than waterlogged. In UK terms it is rated H6, so it is very hardy and will tolerate typical outdoor winters in most areas when given a sunny aspect. Allow roughly 0.5 m between plants to give each clump room to develop. Its primary value is the foliage: pick leaves for culinary use and place the plant at the front of an herb bed where stems are easy to harvest. Satureja montana suits traditional herb gardens and kitchen plots where a sun‑loving, aromatic-leaved species is required. Its compact size and fragrant foliage make it convenient to snip from the edge of the bed.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Satureja
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Satureja montana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herb
- Height
- 0.4 m
- Spread
- 0.5 m
- Suggested uses
- Herb garden, Culinary
- Native to
- S Europe to Lebanon
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Satureja montana
- Propagation
- Cuttings, Seed
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Satureja montana?
Satureja montana prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Satureja montana need?
Satureja montana grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Satureja montana grow?
Satureja montana reaches a height of 0.4 m and a spread of 0.5 m.
Is Satureja montana hardy in the UK?
Satureja montana has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Satureja montana?
Cuttings, Seed.
