Is Purple Winter Savory good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Purple Winter Savory is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Purple Winter Savory?

Space Purple Winter Savory about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Purple Winter Savory hardy on the Front Range?

Purple Winter Savory is hardy in USDA 5 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.

How much water does Purple Winter Savory need?

It needs low water once established.

Is Purple Winter Savory native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

How long does Purple Winter Savory bloom?

Purple Winter Savory blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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Purple Winter Savory

Satureja montana

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Purple Winter Savory (Satureja montana) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 8 to 12 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Aromatic culinary herb that doubles as a long-blooming xeric ornamental.

Plant Select®low water8 to 12 in tall and 12 to 18 in wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: (c) Flora_DUMO, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: (c) Thomas Dreux, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 3: (c) Marios Thoma, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 4: Kurt Stüber [1], Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 5: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 6: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 8
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: loam, sandy, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 8 to 12 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide
Planting spacing: ~13 to 18 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: mid summer, late summer, early fall
Bloom color: purple
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Semi-evergreen

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Deep water every 1 to 2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Is Purple Winter Savory good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Purple Winter Savory is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Purple Winter Savory get?: It matures to about 8 to 12 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Purple Winter Savory?: Space Purple Winter Savory about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Purple Winter Savory hardy on the Front Range?: Purple Winter Savory is hardy in USDA 5 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
How much water does Purple Winter Savory need?: It needs low water once established.
Is Purple Winter Savory native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
How long does Purple Winter Savory bloom?: Purple Winter Savory blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.