We continue to acquaint you with the events that are taking place in the gardens of the Russian Museum right now. In the garden of the Mikhailovsky Castle and in the Mikhailovsky Garden, an ash or gray spirea bloomed. This is a deciduous shrub up to a meter high with arched branches. At the time of mass flowering, all branches are covered with white inflorescences, due to which small only blossoming leaves are almost invisible. After flowering, the petals will fall to the ground like whitish ashes, hence the species name.

The scientific name of this shrub, which was appropriated by the German botanist Herman Zabel in 1884, is spelled Spiraea × cinerea Zabel. The species epithet (second word) comes from the Latin “cinereus” – ashen, ashen gray. The “×” sign indicates that this type of hybrid origin. It was obtained by crossing S. hypericifolia L. (St. John’s wort) and S. cana Waldst. & Kit. (whitish gray spirea). When you find out, you understand why this shrub looks so chic during flowering. Especially decorative is the variety of ashy spirea under the name – “Grefsheim”.

You can admire the blooming spirea on our virtual walks, and especially lucky ones (living nearby or passing by Mikhailovsky Castle) can enjoy the view of the bush through the fence.
For inquiring minds a small question: WHAT DOES THE LETTER “L.” AND THE “&” ICON?

Take care of yourself and your loved ones. See you in the summer.

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