Lilacs bloom . . . again, in the Alexander Palace

Lilacs in bloom in the Alexander Palace
Photo © Tsarskoye Selo State Museum

Despite the January frosts, lilacs and almond bushes have bloomed again in the Tsarskoye Selo greenhouses, and have now been transferred to the private apartments of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna in the Alexander Palace. This unique tradition, which was adopted by the family of Nicholas II, was revived by the museum in the winter of 2022.

On 14th January 2025, the first six lilac bushes of historical varieties, including “Memory of Ludwig Speth” and “Madame Lemoine”, were placed in special tubs and brought into the Mauve (Lilac) and Maple Drawing Rooms. Their aroma filled the interiors of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna recreated rooms, which are situated in the Eastern Wing of the palace.

Lilacs in the Mauve Boudoir of the Alexander Palace
Photo © Tsarskoye Selo State Museum

Lilacs in the Maple Drawing Room of the Alexander Palace
Photo © Tsarskoye Selo State Museum

This year, for the first time, an almond bush of the “Tanyusha” variety with delicate pink double flowers was delivered to the Mauve (Lilac) Drawing Room.

According to the chief curator of the museum’s parks Olga Filippova, the flower exposition is created on the basis of historical materials using the old traditional methods of the 19th century. The process takes place in three stages in the museum greenhouse complex.

This year a total of 18 lilac bushes will decorate the Mauve (Lilac) and Maple Drawing Rooms. The bushes will replace each other as they bloom, ensuring continuous flowering until April. Soon, lilies of the valley, azaleas, tulips and other plants grown in Tsarskoye Selo greenhouses will be added to the flower decoration in the Alexander Palace.

FURTHER READING

Lilacs return to the Alexander Palace + PHOTOS

For the first time in more than a hundred years, the fragrant scent of lilacs once again fill the interiors of the Alexander Palace during the cold winter months. The Tsarskoye Selo State Museum have revived the tradition, by placing lilacs in the Mauve (Lilac) Boudoir and the Maple Drawing Room of the Alexander Palace.

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