Usually available: All year

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 60cm
Position: Full sun
Soil preference: Well drained

This is how we pack and send your Herb Plants to all states except TAS & WA

You will receive
- 1 Pink Savory Herb Plant in a 50 X 75mm tube - General growing instructions

All of our Herb Plants are grown organically with certified organic potting mixes and fertilizers

Botanical Name: Satureja thymbra

Pink Savory is an evergreen perennial shrub or sub shrub belonging to the mint family. It grows to 60 cm wide by 15 -45 cm high and has a compact growth habit. The young branches are covered in small white hairs and the tall stems that support the flowers are round and cream coloured. The green leaves are positioned oppositely, are smooth and have an entire edge. They look very similar to the leaves of the thyme plant. The pink to purple flowers are held in whorls that graduate up the stalk above the compact shrub. The bracts are a darker pink or crimson and set off the delicate lobed petals. The flowers have a spicy aroma. Flowering is in spring for a short period of 4 to 6 weeks when the flowers cover the compact shrub. The fruits are held in a capsule called a schizocarp. This is an important honey plant in the wild and is a bee attractant.

Pink Savory is not as common as Winter Savory and Summer Savory, two herbs that are members of the same genus. The botanical name of Satureja thymbra identifies one of the main differences – the leaf structure. The word ‘thymbra’ refers to the similarity in appearance to the thyme herb. It has been suggested the genus name comes from the Turkish ‘sater’ and the Hebrew Za’atar. Others believe that the plant was named by the Roman Pliny, who may have created the name from the word ‘satyr’, which means half man and half goat.

This herb is a dominant plant on the Island of Crete in the Mediterranean, growing in woodlands and on dry rocky hills as a sub shrub. Alternative names include Whorled Savory, Goat Thyme or Goat Savory, Thyme Leafed Savory, Roman Hyssop, Barrel Sweetener and Savory of Crete. In the 17th century it was called the Wild Candy of Time (thyme).

Growing Conditions

Pink Savory prefers full sun and a dry, warm aspect to grow best. The soil may be variable, but must be well drained as damp soil will cause root problems. In cold areas it is hardy to –6 C and may function as an annual plant. In areas where the plant is treated as an annual herb it will flower in autumn, instead of spring. To grow from seed, sow on the soil surface, cover lightly and water gently. Alternatively propagate by taking 5-8 cm semi-hardwood cuttings at a node in summer.

Culinary Uses

Pink Savory may be used in any recipe that calls for ‘savory’. It is a strong culinary herb with a flavour that is reminiscent of oregano and thyme. Generally it may be added to savory breads, legume and meat dishes, or any dishes that would normally use Summer Savory or Winter Savory. It is very spicy, so it may be used as a pepper substitute and is said to make one of the nicest herbal teas. Pink Savory is often incorrectly referred to as Za’atar, but this plant does make up part of the eastern spice blend called Zatar. There is also another herb that goes by the name Za’atar, and the same name may be used for various other spice blends in the Middle East. It can be confusing, so be sure to check your recipes – just in case! The flowers may be used as a spicy garnish.

Medicinal Uses

Pink Savory contains valuable essential oils, including carvacrol and also contains 19% thymol. In therapeutic strengths these may provide benefits for massage oils treating pain and arthritis or for relaxation. The oil is pungent and stimulates circulation and may have analgesic effects. Traditionally medicinal use of Satureja thymbra included use as an infusion to improve digestion and relieve minor digestive discomfort and bronchial congestion. Other effects included acting as an anti-bacterial, expectorant and general tonic. Similar traditional use has been recorded for other Savory plants.

Other Uses

The Pink Savory was used as a strong infusion on the Island of Crete to cleanse wine barrels prior to using them for a new vintage.

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.