Winter Savory – The Peppery Perennial Herb

Bold, peppery flavor that packs a punch! This compact evergreen herb brings intense, spicy notes to beans, meats, stuffings, and roasted vegetables—earning its nickname "the bean herb" for good reason. Dark green needle-like leaves stay vibrant year-round, while delicate white to pale pink flowers attract pollinators in summer. Tougher and more cold-hardy than its cousin summer savory, this Mediterranean beauty thrives with minimal care and delivers fresh flavor through all seasons. Perfect for herb gardens, containers, or edging borders.

Why Grow Winter Savory:

• Perennial evergreen—harvest year-round
• Intense peppery-spicy flavor (stronger than summer savory)
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Attracts bees and beneficial insects
• Compact growth (12-18 inches tall)
• Cold-hardy and heat-tolerant

Planting Guide

Location:

• Full sun (6-8 hours daily) for best flavor and growth
• Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy

Soil:

• Well-draining is essential—will not tolerate wet feet
• Thrives in poor soil—no need for rich amendments

Planting:

• Spacing: 12-15 inches apart for individual plants; 8-10 inches for hedging
• Depth: Plant at same depth as nursery container
• Containers: Excellent in pots with drainage holes using well-draining potting mix

Watering:

• Water regularly until established (first 4-6 weeks)
• Once established, water sparingly—drought-tolerant
• Overwatering can cause root rot

Fertilizing:

• Minimal fertilizer needed
• Light compost application in spring is sufficient

Pruning & Maintenance:

• Prune lightly in spring to encourage bushy growth and remove winter damage
• Harvest regularly to promote fresh, tender growth
• Cut back by one-third after flowering to maintain shape
• Avoid cutting into old woody stems

Harvesting:

• Pick leaves anytime once plant is established
• Best flavor just before flowering
• Harvest morning after dew dries for peak oils
• Use fresh or dry for storage

Pest & Disease:

• Generally pest and disease-free
• Squirrel, Deer and rabbit resistant

Companion Planting:

• Plant near beans to enhance growth and deter pests
• Excellent with rosemary, thyme, and oregano
• Companion to brassicas and onions