Savory - of Crete

Common Name:
Cretan Savory

Description:
Cretan Savory is a compact, aromatic perennial herb native to the Mediterranean, valued for its fine foliage and delicate, upright flowering stems. It forms a soft, bushy mound of small, bright green leaves that release a warm, savoury fragrance with subtle spicy undertones when crushed. In summer, it produces an abundance of tiny pale pink to lilac flowers held above the foliage, attracting bees and beneficial insects while adding a light, airy texture to the garden. Well-suited to Melbourne conditions, Cretan Savory thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, showing excellent drought tolerance once established. It is ideal for herb gardens, borders, and pots, and benefits from regular light trimming to maintain a compact form and encourage fresh growth. Its culinary versatility makes it a popular addition to meat dishes, stews, and herb blends.

Form:
Shrub - Small
Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
Height: 0.3–0.5 m
Width: 0.3–0.5 m

Aspect:
Full Sun

Flowering:
Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:
Pale pink
Lilac

Key Attributes:
Bee Attracting
Culinary herb
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant foliage
Herbaceous
Perennial
Suitable for Pots

Toxicity:
Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets when used in culinary amounts.

Companion Plants:
Thyme
Rosemary
Oregano
Sage
Lavender