朝顔(あさがお)

The name means 'morning face' (朝(あさ) + 顔(かお)), describing how the flowers open in the morning. A quintessential symbol of Japanese summer.

Cultural significance:

• 夏休(なつやす)みの自由研究(じゆうけんきゅう) (summer break project) - elementary students often grow 朝顔(あさがお)
• 朝顔市(あさがおいち) (morning glory market) - held at 入谷(いりや) (東京(とうきょう)) every July
• Featured in 俳句(はいく) as a summer 季語(きご) (seasonal word)

Colors: 青(あお), 紫(むらさき), ピンク, 白(しろ), and variegated patterns.

The flower symbolizes:

• Fleeting beauty (儚(はかな)さ) - blooms only briefly
• Summer memories
• Childhood nostalgia

Related: 昼顔(ひるがお) (bindweed, blooms during the day), 夕顔(ゆうがお) (moonflower, blooms in evening).