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Top-level
In different types of soil hydrangea petals differ in colour, giving rise to the nickname 'shichihenge' (七変化 '7 transformations'). Throughout history the warrior class shunned the flowers, considering hydrangea to symbolise fickleness and a change of heart or loyalties. 5 comments
Matsuo Bashō wrote only 2 haiku about hydrangea. We opened this thread with the first, this is the second... hydrangeas adorn Mimuroto-ji's (三室戸寺) hydrangea garden opens from early June, but before that another floral display keeps visitors entertained. On the steep steps that climb up to the main hall thousands of blue, white and pink potted hydrangea are lovingly arranged. A previous installation (usually the flowers are arranged in just 2 days) was called 'Shōryū-zu' (昇龍図 'Ascending Dragon'). Hydrangea were first introduced to Europe around 1862 by the German naturalist Siebold (フォン・シーボルト 1796-1866). On a side note...Siebold and Otaki-san's daughter, Kusumoto Ine (楠本イネ 1827-1903), was the first female doctor of Western medicine in Japan. |
Gregory's Server
While it is unproven, many people believe hydrangeas originated in Japan.
The Japanese name 'ajisai' (紫陽花), meaning 'gathering of blue' (aji/atsu 集まる = gathering/ai 藍 = indigo), suggests the flowers were originally mostly blue in colour.
#hydrangea #あじさい #紫陽花 #Japan