Herb · Lamiaceae family
winter savory
Satureja montana
In short a 10-second read
Winter savory (herb) grows to 0.15–0.45 m tall and 0.3–0.45 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. It flowers in July–September; the flowers are white, purple or blue. Plant out in March–May, September–November. Hardy to −29 °C.
× spread 0.3–0.45 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −29 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: little
Soil: sandy, gravelly, loamy
Soil pH 5.5–8.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 5–10 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
July–September · white, purple or blue
Pruning
remove dead and damaged growth (March–April); cut back by a third (April–May)
Planting out
container plant: March–May, September–November
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −29 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −29 °C
- Evergreen — green in winter too
What to combine it with
Ready-made combinations.
Ready-made Studio combinations that include winter savory
Sage, thyme, oregano and savory — fragrant herbs for a sunny, drier…
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does winter savory flower?
In July–September; the flowers are white, purple or blue.
Does winter savory tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does winter savory need?
At maturity 0.3–0.45 m wide and 0.15–0.45 m tall; recommended spacing 30 cm.
Does winter savory survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −29 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (13)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Satureja montana
- RHS — Savory — grow your own
- Wikidata (CC0) — Satureja montana
- EPPO Global Database — Satureja montana
- Gärtnerei Strickler, katalóg
- Foerster-Stauden, katalóg
- Staudengärtnerei Stauden-Stade
- RHS - Satureja montana
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
- RHS - How to grow perennial plants
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
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