Hibiscus is a wonderful natural dye plant. It creates a stunning array of lilacs, pinks, tans, and greys, not to mention smelling wonderful in the dye pot. Plant fibres tend to bring out the lilac shades, while animal fibres tend to turn rosy pinks. Get tans and greys with an iron mordant or afterbath.
In addition to being a dye plant, Hibiscus has also traditionally been used in teas and kombucha for it's refreshing tart flavour, as well as medicinally as a heart tonic.
This listing includes 30g of organic dehydrated hibiscus in a recycled paper envelop. The hibiscus flowers are USDA Certified Organic.
In order to ensure colour fastness, hibiscus should be used with a mordant such as alum or iron.
As with most natural dyes, the colours will be stronger on protein fibres such as wool or silk. Hibiscus on cellulose fibres like cotton and linen tend to be paler and more subdued. Synthetic fibres tend not to take up natural dyes.
Equipment and Safety
Always add powder to liquid, not liquid to powder (to prevent powder from flying everywhere). Wear gloves and an apron to avoid staining your hands and clothes. Always dye in a well ventilated area and use separate pots and utensils from your cooking pots.
