Photo of Satureja gilliesii by Patricia Cunningham

Photo by Patricia Cunningham

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Satureja gilliesii

Also Known As

  • Clinopodium chilense
  • Oreganillo

Plant type

shrub, herb

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

More Options

Satureja gilliesii plant details

Satureja gilliesii is a broadleaf evergreen herb or shrub with green foliage. In summer lavender and white flowers emerge. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Satureja gilliesii

Plant type: herb or shrub
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: lavender and white blooms in summer
Uses: fragrant, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Satureja gilliesii

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This delighful small shrub to 3 ft or so with quarter inch narrow green leaves smelling ... much mintier than mint, has been our favorite Yerba Santa to date. From our collection at about about 5000 ft in central Chile's Cañon Infernillo, it has been a very drought tolerant, hardy shrub, which remains evergreen and produces white to pale lilac flowers in summer. The lightest brush brings forth its heady aroma. Proved hardy at least to 10F, the bottom of USDA zone 8 and possibly lower.

Gardening facts about Satureja gilliesii plant

How to Grow Satureja gilliesii

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • lavender
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Satureja for your garden

aka Satureja mexicana, Orange-flowered Mexican Savory, Savory

Plant Type

Shrub, Herb

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 12"-24"

Width: 24"-36"

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Clinopodium mexicanum close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Satureja montana ssp. illyrica, Satureja montana var. illyrica, Purple Winter Savory, Winter Savory

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover, Herb

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 4"-6"

Width: 12"-15"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Satureja subspicata flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Satureja mimuloides, Monkeyflower Savory

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 1'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • regular - low
Photo of Clinopodium mimuloides flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

Scientific Name: Micromeria douglasii

aka Clinopodium douglasii, Micromeria chamissonis, Satureja chamissonis, Yerba Buena

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover, Herb

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 6'-10'

  • bright shade - mostly shade
  • regular - low
Photo of Satureja douglasii foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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More Options

aka Creeping Winter Savory

Plant Type

Shrub, Herb

Zones

6a-8b

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Satureja montana by Arrowhead Alpines
View Plant

More Options

+6 more Satureja
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