[For Seniors] Hydrangea Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts Collection

dizziness

Hydrangea leaves contain toxins, and several cases of dizziness and vomiting have been reported in the past. There is no problem as long as you do not eat the leaves.

Seven Transformations

In the Edo period, hydrangeas were called “shichihenge” (literally, “seven transformations”). The color of hydrangeas changes depending on the acidity of the soil, displaying a variety of hues as if undergoing seven transformations, which is how they got this name.

It has been confirmed that the rainy season front has dissipated and stable sunny weather will continue.

The end of the rainy season is declared by the Japan Meteorological Agency when it determines that the front has generally moved north, a high-pressure system covers the skies over Japan, and stable sunny weather can be expected.

May

The start of the rainy season in Japan varies by region, but in the earliest areas it can begin as early as May. In particular, it’s not uncommon for the Southwest Islands to enter the rainy season in early May.

hydrangea

“Ajisai” is written as “紫陽花.” These kanji combine the color “purple” (紫), the sunlight (陽) that the blossoms seem to reflect, and the meaning of “flower” (花).

hydrangea macrophylla (lacecap hydrangea)

The oldest hydrangea in Japan is the lacecap hydrangea. Compared to other hydrangeas, lacecap hydrangeas have a simple beauty and have long been cherished, especially within temple grounds.

Scroll of Flowers and Birds of the Four Seasons

In Sakai Hōitsu’s Scroll of Flowers and Birds of the Four Seasons, flowers, small birds, and butterflies for each season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—are depicted, and among the summer flowers are hydrangeas painted in light blue and pink.