Description
Satureja – Savory –
There are 30 annuals, semi evergreen perennials and sub-shrubs, in the Lamiaceae family, related to Rosemary and Thyme, in this genus. They are found naturally occurring throughout the Northern Hemisphere, in dry, sunny sites and often found on cliffs. They are grown for their aromatic leaves, which are opposite, linear to lance shaped or egg to oblong to spoon shaped, and for their cyme like or spike like inflorescence, these consist of whorls of stalkless, tubular, 2 lipped flower, borne in summer, which are attractive to bee’s and other insects. Suitable for growing in a mixed border or rock garden or dry bank. S. hortensis and S. montana are used as culinary herbs.
Grow in moderately fertile, well drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter moisture. Cut back old shoots of sub-shrubs in early spring.
S. hortensis – Summer Savory – This bushy, aromatic annual, form Southeastern Europe grows 10-15″ tall and 12″ wide. It produces linear to narrowly lance shaped, dark green leaves, to 1 1/4″ long with a sweet spicy taste with a hint off cyme. In summer, it bears dense or lax, whorl like spikes of 2-5 white or pale lavender flowers, to 1 1/4″ long.
Zones 9-11
