Our Price: $9.50
Culinary
AromaWinter savory (Satureja montana) is a must-have for any herb enthusiast. This hardy perennial offers both beauty and utility as an attractive culinary herb, making it essential for kitchen and ornamental gardens alike.
Winter savory is also easy to care for. It thrives in your garden with minimal fuss. If you are new to gardening or don't have much time to care for delicate plants, winter savory makes a wonderful addition to your herb collection.
At The Growers Exchange, we offer high-quality winter savory herbs ready for planting in your outdoor or container garden. Learn more about this fascinating plant below.
Winter savory is an evergreen herb in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Native to the Mediterranean region, this hardy plant has been cultivated for centuries for its culinary and medicinal uses.
The winter savory herb has a peppery, pungent flavor, making it a popular addition to various dishes, especially in European cuisine. This low-growing plant is admired for its ornamental appeal, with its small, glossy leaves and delicate white or lavender flowers.
The winter savory plant is a compact, semi-woody shrub that typically reaches about 12 to 18 inches in height. Its dark green leaves are small and slender. They are also aromatic and release a sharp scent when crushed.
Winter savory produces clusters of tiny flowers in colors ranging from pale pink and lavender to white. It blooms from middle to late summer, adding delicate color to your garden. These flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making winter savory a useful culinary herb and a beneficial plant for your garden's ecosystem.
Winter savory is named for its ability to retain flavor and aroma throughout the colder months. Unlike its warm-weather counterpart—the annual herb summer savory—winter savory keeps its leaves even when other herbs have withered.
One of the unique qualities of winter savory is its ability to retain its leaves and flavor throughout the winter months, hence the name. This characteristic makes it a valuable herb for year-round use. Its dense foliage makes it an excellent ground cover or border plant in herb and rock gardens. Winter savory also thrives when planted indoors in containers.
Winter savory has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. The Romans prized it for its culinary and medicinal properties, and it was often grown in monastery gardens throughout medieval Europe. The herb was used to treat various ailments, from digestive issues to insect bites.
In addition to its medicinal uses, winter savory was also a staple in the kitchen. Its robust and spicy flavor made it a favorite for seasoning meats, beans, and vegetables. Over the centuries, winter savory has maintained its reputation as a versatile herb, finding its way into modern kitchens and gardens worldwide.
Growing winter savory is relatively easy, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all experience levels. Here's a simple guide to help you care for your winter savory herb:
Light: Winter savory thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but its growth and flavor will be more robust in sunnier conditions.
Temperature: This hardy herb is well-suited for cooler climates, as it can withstand temperatures down to USDA hardiness zone 5. It can be grown as a perennial in warmer regions, while in colder areas, it may need protection during harsh winters.
Soil: Winter savory prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Watering: While winter savory is drought-tolerant, it does best with regular watering, especially during dry spells. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing: This herb is not a heavy feeder, so fertilizing is usually unnecessary. However, a light application of compost or a balanced fertilizer in the spring can encourage healthy growth.
Pruning: To maintain its shape and promote bushier growth, prune your winter savory plant in the spring or after flowering. Regular trimming will also prevent the plant from becoming too woody.
The winter savory herb is celebrated for its culinary and medicinal uses. In the kitchen, its peppery flavor complements a wide range of dishes. It's often used in meat rubs, stuffing, soups, and stews, adding a sharp, tangy note. Unlike its summer counterpart, winter savory has a more intense flavor that stands up well to long cooking times, making it ideal for hearty winter dishes. Its aromatic leaves can also brew a fragrant herbal tea or create infused oil.
In addition to its culinary applications, winter savory is also valued for its medicinal properties. Traditionally, it has been used to aid digestion, alleviate sore throats, and serve as a natural antiseptic. The herb is rich in essential oils, contributing to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Gardeners will also appreciate winter savory for its role as a companion plant. It is known to repel certain pests, such as aphids and bean beetles, making it a beneficial addition to vegetable gardens.
Winter savory is a versatile plant with beauty, flavor, and utility. Whether you're looking to expand your culinary herb collection or want a hardy, low-maintenance plant, winter savory is an excellent choice. At The Growers Exchange, we are committed to providing our customers with top-quality plants ready to thrive in their new homes.
Order your winter savory plant today from The Growers Exchange. Need help with your purchase? Feel free to get in touch.
Satureja montana
