Native to the Mediterranean, Winter Savory was being grown in New England gardens during the seventeenth century. Thomas Jefferson’s friend and neighbor, George Divers of Farmington, noted that he was able to supply Jefferson with the pot-herbs “Marjoram, Winter Savory and Thyme” in a letter written February 28, 1820. The leaves of Winter Savory can be used to season hardy foods such as bean dishes, organ meats, and wild game. An attractive plant, it can also serve as an evergreen edging in the herb garden or flower border. It has lance-shaped, leathery, dark grayish-green leaves and shows small, lavender pink to purple flowers produce abundantly in dense, upright spikes throughout summer. The fragrant foliage is not favored by deer.

Visit Monticello’s Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Winter Savory.

Typical Blooming Dates: Fall
Growth Type: Herbaceous Perennial Herb
Blossom Color(s): Lavender
Hardiness Zones: 6 - 8
Location at Monticello: Vegetable Garden
Planting Conditions: Full Sun