1.
hydrangea
A flowering shrub with large, rounded clusters of flowers that bloom in various colors including blue, pink, purple, and white.
The iconic flower of Japan's rainy season (梅雨, June-July). Also written as アジサイ.
Flower color depends on soil pH:
- 酸性 (acidic soil) → 青 (blue)
- 中性〜アルカリ性 (neutral-alkaline) → ピンク/赤 (pink/red)
- 白 (white) varieties don't change
Famous viewing locations (名所):
- 鎌倉 (長谷寺, 明月院)
- 箱根
- 京都
Cultural note: Hydrangeas symbolize the rainy season in art and literature. They appear frequently in 季語 (seasonal words) for summer haiku.
Varieties:
- 額紫陽花 (lacecap hydrangea)
- 西洋紫陽花 (mophead hydrangea)