Common Names: Za'atar Farsi, Za'atar Rumi, or Palestinian Tea, Savory of Crete, Myrtle-Leaved Savory, Greek Mountain Tea, Satureja myrtifolia
Micromeria myrtifolia is a highly aromatic evergreen dwarf shrub native to the Eastern Mediterranean region. It features tiny, dark green leaves packed with intense herbal oils reminiscent of wild thyme, mint, and savory. It thrives in Perth’s warm, Mediterranean climate, making it an excellent choice for rockeries, low-maintenance herb gardens, or container growing. It produces delicate white to pale pink blooms that attract bees and beneficial pollinators to the garden.
Features:
Ideal prune height range: 30-50cm
pH growing conditions: 6.5 to 8.0 (Prefers slightly alkaline, free-draining soil)
Shade or full sun: Full sun
Minimum pot year 5: 10L pot
Time to harvest age: 6-12 months from planting
This hardy shrub grows at a moderate pace and develops a neat, compact habit. It is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established and thrives in lean, rocky, or sandy soils where other herbs might struggle. Micromeria myrtifolia handles Perth's hot, dry summers with ease and requires very little water once rooted into the ground.
Interesting Notes:
Traditionally used in Eastern Mediterranean folk medicine, the leaves are harvested and dried to make a rich, soothing herbal tea praised for its aromatic properties. The high essential oil content also makes it a great pest-repellent companion plant in culinary gardens.
A fantastic addition for dry-climate herb enthusiasts, rockery plantings, or waterwise gardens looking for unique edible aromatics.
Limited stock. Pickup from Parkwood, WA. Delivery to Perth Metro only.
Keywords: Micromeria myrtifolia, Myrtle Leaved Savory, Greek mountain tea, rare herb Perth, waterwise edible plant, Mediterranean garden Perth