Scarlet Rosemallow, a Birthday Flower of October 13th

Momiji-aoi (Hibiscus coccineus), commonly known in English as Scarlet Rose Mallow or Texas Star Hibiscus, is a striking perennial flower native to North America. In Japan, it is admired for its large hibiscus-like blooms and distinctive maple-shaped leaves, which inspired its Japanese name, literally meaning "maple-leaf mallow." The vibrant flowers are most commonly bright red, although pink and white forms can also be found.

In Japan, Momiji-aoi typically blooms from July to September, bringing bold color to gardens during the height of summer. Each flower lasts for only a single day, opening in the morning and fading by evening, but the plant continuously produces new blooms throughout the season. It is a perennial. While the stems die during winter, the roots survive underground and send up fresh shoots each spring. Once established, the plant returns year after year and can eventually reach nearly two meters in height.

The Japanese Hanakotoba (language of flowers) for Momiji-aoi are "gentleness", "calmness", and "tranquillity". These meanings are said to reflect the flower's elegant appearance and graceful presence despite its large size and vivid coloring. They are a birthday flower of September 26th, October 1st and October 13th.