Overview

Satureja montana is a bushy, matforming herb in the genus Satureja, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. 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 and 6.0-7.5 pH. 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 pH

6.0-7.5

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Full sun

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Satureja montana size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herb

Habit

Bushy, Matforming

Foliage

Deciduous, Evergreen

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

Cultivation

Sow seeds indoors in early spring or directly outdoors after last frost. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Pruning

Trim after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

Propagation

Cuttings, Seed

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions