Pest identification
What's eating my winter savory?
Spittlebugs (froghoppers)
Signs: White frothy blobs at stem joints; hidden nymphs feed on sap and may weaken soft new stems
Control: Blast off with a water jet; infestation is rarely severe enough to warrant chemical treatment
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on fresh spring growth; sticky honeydew; occasional leaf curl on the softest shoot tips
Control: Water jet or insecticidal soap spray; encourage natural predators; prune affected tips promptly
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and webbing under leaves; worse on indoor-overwintered or container plants in dry heat
Control: Increase humidity; spray leaf undersides with insecticidal soap or neem oil; avoid hot, stuffy conditions
Keep winter savory pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Winter savory pests — FAQ
What is eating my winter savory?
Winter savory's woody, aromatic nature makes it tougher than most herbs. Spittlebugs are the most visible pest, leaving frothy foam at stem joints. Aphids occasionally hit soft spring regrowth. Spider mites can become a problem in dry summers or when plants are overwintered in containers under glass.
How do I get rid of spittlebugs (froghoppers) on winter savory?
White frothy blobs at stem joints; hidden nymphs feed on sap and may weaken soft new stems Blast off with a water jet; infestation is rarely severe enough to warrant chemical treatment
How do I get rid of aphids on winter savory?
Clusters on fresh spring growth; sticky honeydew; occasional leaf curl on the softest shoot tips Water jet or insecticidal soap spray; encourage natural predators; prune affected tips promptly
How do I get rid of spider mites on winter savory?
Pale stippling and webbing under leaves; worse on indoor-overwintered or container plants in dry heat Increase humidity; spray leaf undersides with insecticidal soap or neem oil; avoid hot, stuffy conditions