Introduction
Hydrangeas are mainly native to Asia in countries like Japan. They are beloved for its large, showy blooms and its ability to thrive in various climates and garden settings. This article shows you some belief guides of the plants.
Hydrangeas (紫陽花) are known for their rich colours and diverse shapes. As a representative flower that adorns the early summer in Japan. Particularly, their appearance becomes even more vibrant when wet with rain, making them a symbolic sight of the rainy season in the country. The flowers are also unique flowers that allow you to enjoy colour changes. We show you the fascinating and interesting aspects of them below.
Cultural Significance
Symbol of the Rainy Season: Hydrangeas are iconic symbols of the rainy season. Their vibrant blooms thrive in wet and humid conditions, creating picturesque scenes that are deeply appreciated in Japanese gardens, temples, and parks.
Cultural Festivals: Many places in Japan hold hydrangea festivals to celebrate the blooming season. These festivals attract numerous visitors who come to admire the flowers in full bloom.
Art and Literature: The flowers frequently appear in Japanese art, poetry, and literature, often symbolizing heartfelt emotions, gratitude, and the fleeting nature of beauty.
Botanical Characteristics
Variety: Japan is home to several species and cultivars of hydrangeas, including the native Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea serrata, and Hydrangea involucrata.
Color Variations: The flowers exhibit a range of colors, primarily blue, pink, purple, and white. The color variations depend on the pH level of soil, with acidic soils producing blue hues and alkaline soils producing pink tones.
Growth Habit: The flowers in Japan often grow in well-drained, moist soil with partial shade. You can commonly found them in temple gardens, mountainous regions, and residential gardens.
Unique Aspects
Anthocyanin Pigment: Their colour changes due to the anthocyanin pigment, which reacts with aluminium ions in the soil. This reaction is influenced by the soil’s pH level, with acidic soil producing blue flowers and alkaline soil producing pink flowers. That makes them a fascinating subject for both gardeners and scientists.
Rain Enhancements: The rain enhances the colors and freshness of hydrangeas, making them look even more vibrant. The interplay of raindrops on the petals adds to their ethereal beauty. In Japan, They are more than just beautiful flowers; they are an integral part of the seasonal landscape and cultural heritage. Their presence marks the arrival of the rainy season, and their ever-changing colours captivate and inspire those who encounter them.
Language Of Flowers : “Patient Love” originates from an old story. In the past, a German doctor named Siebold, who was in Nagasaki, was expelled due to the political situation. He had a beloved woman in Japan but had to leave the country alone with the hydrangea flower that he took. He named the hydrangea “Otakusa” in his homeland and remembered his beloved woman.
Iconic Viewing Spots
Kamakura: Known for its temples and beautiful gardens, Kamakura attracts many visitors during the rainy season to places like Meigetsuin Temple and Hase Temple.
Hakone: The Hakone Tozan Railway is famous for its views, where visitors can enjoy the blooms along the railway line.
Kyoto: Temples such as Mimuroto Temple and Yoshimine Temple are renowned for their spectacular displays.
Mount Rokko: Hydrangea garden on Mount Rokko provides stunning views of the flowers against a backdrop of lush green landscapes.
