How big does Winter savory grow?

About 40 cm × 50 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 15–45 cm × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Winter savory grow in?

It tolerates these soils: sandy, calcareous, average garden soil.

Is Winter savory hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Winter savory toxic to children?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to children.

How far apart should Winter savory be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 30 cm between plants. For a hedge, allow 4 plants per metre.

When does Winter savory flower?

Flowering: June–September, white, purple, pink.

How much water does Winter savory need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Winter savory

Satureja montana

Winter savory (Satureja montana) is a perennial that reaches 40 cm × 50 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Non-toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €4.70.

Illustration of Winter savory — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low, woody-based, semi-evergreen herb with glossy, narrow, peppery-scented leaves that you can use fresh or dried in the kitchen. From midsummer its small white to pale lilac flowers draw bees, and clipped it makes a neat low edging or dwarf hedge for herb and rock gardens. It wants sun and freely draining, limy, lean soil, and takes dry heat well. Cut it back in spring, otherwise it goes bare and woody within a few years.

Watch out for

Short-lived: old plants turn woody, go bare in the centre and make little new growth, so trim it every spring (without cutting deep into old leafless wood) and replace it from cuttings or seed every few years. It sulks in damp, heavy soil and in shade, and standing winter wet kills it. No serious pests or diseases.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 40 cm × 50 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, white, purple, pink

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	40 cm × 50 cm
Ultimate size	15–45 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Sandy, Calcareous, Average garden soil
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	June–September, white, purple, pink
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic
Typical price	from about €4.70

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.70

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for full sun Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Plants that are non-toxic to children Hedge plants Low hedge plants Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers Plants for a Mediterranean garden Rock garden plants Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

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