モミジアオイ (Scarlet Rose Mallow)

　モミジアオイは、数年前までわが家の庭の東端に一列をなして幾株かあっただけだ。それが、いまはプランターひとつを含めて、六ヵ所ほどで、数株ずつ生えている。葉が虫に食われやすい植物だが、この夏は、虫もつかないで、花がよく咲き続けた。一輪の花のあとに沢山の種子が出来るので、地面にいい加減にばらまいておくと、比較的簡単に芽を出す。世話もほとんど要らない宿根草である。

Until a few years ago, there were just a single row of several strains of scarlet rose mallow at the eastern part of our yard. Now, we have several strains at each of six places including a planter. Leaves of this plant are apt to be eaten by larvas. However, they were not eaten this summer, and many flowers continued to bloom well. We get many seeds from one flower of this plant, and can easily obtain new strains by scattering those seeds randomly on the ground. This is a perennial plant and does not need much care.