A genus of flowering plants of the Hydrangeaceae family, native to southern and eastern Asia. Most species are shrubs, but some are small trees. Commonly called hortensia.
Hydrangeas bear globular or umbrella-shaped clusters of flowers that come out any time from early spring to late autumn in a variety of colors influenced by the pH level of the soil. Commonly depicted in shades of blue, purple, and pink.
In Japan, it is commonly associated with the rainy season. Its Japanese name is "ajisai" (アジサイ or 紫陽花), which refers specifically to Hydrangea macrophylla, the bigleaf hydrangea.
