Satureja species
Family: Lamiaceae

Comprising around 30 species of herbaceous plants from temperate parts of the northern hemisphere, the genus includes the two herbs, summer and winter savory. The leaves are used both fresh and dried in cooking, and the dried leaves are sometimes included in pot-pourri.

Species

S. hortensis, summer savory, zone 8, is a bushy annual, to about 30 cm (12 in) high, with narrow, dark green leaves and pale lilac or white, tubular flowers in late summer. The leaves have a sweet, spicy flavor and are used to flavor bean dishes, vinegar and salad dressings.

S. montana, winter savory, zone 6, is a perennial shrub, to 30 cm (12 in) high, with dark green, pointed leaves and small, white to lilac, tubular flowers in summer. It has a stronger flavor than summer savory and is used to flavor meats like chicken and pork.

Cultivation

Grow both species from seed in rich, well-drained soil in a sunny situation, although winter savory may also be grown from cuttings or by division. Replace plants every few years.

Climate

Zone 8 for S. hortensi.s; zone 6 for S. montana.