Winter savory Satureja montana

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The plant commonly known as winter savory is an evergreen perennial herb. It has a dense, bushy growth habit with woody stems at its base. The leaves of the winter savory are small, lance-shaped, and firm, boasting a rich green color, and they are arranged oppositely on the stems. During the blooming season, it sprouts small, tubular flowers that are typically white to pale lilac in color. These flowers are clustered together in tight whorls at the nodes along the upper parts of the stems. The overall look of the plant is quite compact and rounded, with a lush, aromatic presence owing to the essential oils contained within its foliage. The leaves, when crushed, emit a peppery, pungent scent, characteristic of many herbs in its family. While in bloom, the winter savory is a magnet for bees and other pollinating insects, which are attracted to its flowers.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Lamiaceae.
- Synonyms
  Winter Savory, Mountain Savory, Creeping Savory, Savory.
- Common names
  Clinopodium montanum, Micromeria nervosa, Satureja nervosa, Thymus montanus
Toxicity
- To humans
  Winter savory is generally recognized as safe for human consumption when used in culinary quantities. However, consuming large amounts of this herb may lead to negative side effects due to the high concentrations of essential oils it contains. If consumed in excessive amounts, it could potentially lead to gastrointestinal issues such as stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. In some individuals, it may cause an allergic reaction if they are sensitive to plants in the Lamiaceae family. However, there is no widespread documentation of serious poisoning from winter savory in humans when used appropriately as a culinary ingredient.
- To pets
  Winter savory is not widely documented as being toxic to pets, and there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with it. However, as with many herbs and plants, it contains essential oils and other compounds that can be harmful to pets in large amounts. If a pet were to ingest a substantial quantity of winter savory, it might experience gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting or diarrhea. As with any non-typical food item, it is generally recommended to exercise caution and avoid feeding large amounts of winter savory to pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount and is showing signs of distress, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  6
- Native area
  Mediterranean

Benefits

General Benefits
- Culinary Use: Winter savory, as Satureja montana is commonly known, is used as a herb in cooking, imparting a peppery flavor to dishes.
- Aromatic: The plant has a strong aroma that can add a pleasant scent to gardens and landscapes.
- Insect Repellant: The essential oils in winter savory can help repel insects and pests from gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Winter savory is a hardy perennial that requires minimal care once established, making it an easy plant for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Resistance: Being a plant adapted to dry climates, it is drought-tolerant once established, needing less water compared to many other garden plants.
- Culinary Versatility: Its leaves can be used fresh or dried and are commonly incorporated into a variety of dishes, including meats, stews, and sauces.
- Decorative: Winter savory has attractive foliage and, when in bloom, produces small, delicate flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers of winter savory attract bees and other pollinators, which are beneficial for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Herb Garden Addition: It is a classic herb often included in herb gardens, alongside other herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil.
- Companion Planting: Winter savory is sometimes used in companion planting to enhance the growth of beans and discourage bean weevils.
Medical Properties
- Antimicrobial: Satureja montana has exhibited antimicrobial properties against a variety of bacterial and fungal species.
- Antioxidant: The plant contains compounds that have been reported to possess antioxidant activity, which can help in the prevention of cellular damage caused by free radicals.
- Antiseptic: It has been used traditionally as an antiseptic for minor wounds and skin infections due to its antimicrobial properties.
- Anti-inflammatory: Some studies suggest that Satureja montana may possess anti-inflammatory properties, providing relief in conditions associated with inflammation.
- Digestive aid: The plant has been used traditionally to aid in digestion and relieve conditions such as bloating and gas.
- Carminative: Satureja montana is known for its carminative effects, helping to reduce flatulence and discomfort in the digestive tract.
- Expectorant: It has been used traditionally to help clear the respiratory tract of mucus and to ease coughs due to its expectorant properties.
- Spasmolytic: The plant has spasmolytic properties, which means it has the potential to relieve spasms and relax muscles.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Satureja montana, commonly known as winter savory, can be used as a natural insect repellent due to its strong aroma that many pests find off-putting.
- When dried, the branches of winter savory can be used as aromatic kindling for fires, providing a pleasant scent as they burn.
- The plant can be made into a rinse for helping to brighten and add luster to dark hair due to its tannin content.
- Winter savory can be planted in gardens as a companion plant to beans, as it is believed to improve growth and flavor.
- The leaves can be used to make a natural cleaning agent for disinfecting surfaces in the home.
- As a decorative element, winter savory can be incorporated into wreaths and floral arrangements for its texture and aroma.
- The essential oil derived from winter savory can be used in aromatherapy as a fragrance component in candles and diffuser blends.
- The leaves of winter savory can be scattered in pantries to ward off moths and protect grains and legumes from insects.
- Used as a flavor-enhancing ingredient, winter savory can be added to vinegar infusions to create unique culinary condiments.
- Winter savory can serve as natural dye, imparting a beige to light green hue to fabrics when used in the dyeing process.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Winter savory is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Winter savory is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Protection: Satureja montana, commonly known as winter savory, has been traditionally thought to offer protection against negative forces and is often used in rituals and spells for this purpose.
- Longevity: Due to its perennial nature and hardiness, winter savory is sometimes associated with longevity and the endurance of life.
- Love: In some folklore, winter savory is considered an aphrodisiac and is believed to be symbolic of love and sexual desire.
- Health: Known for its medicinal properties, winter savory symbolizes health and well-being, as it has been used to treat various ailments throughout history.

💧

When soil is dry

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Winter savory, the common name of Satureja montana, prefers soil that is kept slightly moist but not waterlogged. It's crucial to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions. During the growing season, typically water the plant once every week with about 1 gallon of water, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. Adjust this schedule to account for rainfall and changes in temperature since Winter savory is drought-tolerant once established and excessive water can harm the plant.
Light
Winter savory thrives in full sunlight, so place it in a spot where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This plant can also tolerate partial shade, but for optimal growth and oil production, a full sun location is preferred.
Temperature
Winter savory is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, thriving ideally at temperatures between 60°F to 75°F. While it can survive temperatures down to around 20°F, prolonged exposure to freezing conditions can damage or kill the plant. Therefore, providing some protection in the coldest months is recommended if temperatures frequently dip below freezing.
Pruning
Prune Winter savory to promote bushy growth and prevent woody stems. Pruning is best done in early spring or after the plant has finished flowering. Cut back by up to one-third of the plant's height, focusing on removing any dead or weak stems. Regular trimming throughout the season can also help to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Winter Savory thrives in well-draining, sandy to loamy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A mixture of two parts potting soil, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part compost is ideal, ensuring good drainage and fertility.
Repotting
Winter Savory does not need frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot. Spring is the best time to repot to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & Misting
Winter Savory prefers moderate to low humidity and is tolerant of dry air conditions typical of most household environments. It does not require high humidity to thrive.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Winter Savory near a sunny window and water sparingly.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; tolerate dry, poor soils.
- Hardiness zone
  Winter Savory is suitable for USDA zones 6-9.
Life cycle
Winter savory (Satureja montana) begins its life cycle when the seed germinates, typically in spring when the soil has warmed up. Following germination, it emerges as a seedling with a pair of cotyledons to harness sunlight and start photosynthesis. It develops into a young plant, with true leaves and a robust root system supporting its growth into a mature, bushy perennial herb. During the flowering stage in summer, winter savory produces small, white to pale purple flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After pollination, these flowers develop into tiny, brownish-black seeds, which can be dispersed to start a new generation. The plant can withstand cold temperatures in winter, during which growth slows down or halts until the return of warmer spring weather initiates a new growth cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring
- Winter savory (Satureja montana) is typically propagated through seed sowing, but the most popular method is through stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. To propagate winter savory by cuttings, choose healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) length from the parent plant. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Plant the cutting in a mixture of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the leafless part is buried and the remaining leaves are above the soil surface. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the cuttings in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which you can transplant the cuttings into individual pots or into the garden.