Rose of Sharon, a birthday flower of February 22nd

There are at least four different "birthday flowers" associated with February 22nd. The Red Freesia, Rhodanthe, Lavatera/ Marshmallow flower and the Rose of Sharon. Rose of Sharon is called "mukuge" in Japanese. 

However, Rose of Sharon doesn't flower in February. It typically blooms sometime between June and October in Japan. It is not native to Japan, but it has been cultivated here for a long time. But there is a related plant, the hibiscus, that is native to Okinawa. More about that on City-cost here. Both Hibiscus and Rose of Sharon belong to the "hibiscus genus" but are different species.

In the Japanese language of flowers, 'hanakotoba', Rose of Sharon is associated with conviction” “信念” and “new beauty” “新しい美". It is also the birthday flower of March 22nd, August 26th and September 11th.