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A brown black flower on a green stem
Home Learning Trails for Adults Dyes from Plants Alcea rosea ‘Nigra’ (Hollyhock)
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Alcea rosea ‘Nigra’ (Hollyhock)

Hollyhock is native to Asia and Europe and is a member of the mallow family (Malvaceae). The popular ‘Nigra’ variety has maroon-black flowers. The fresh or dried petals of this variety can be heated in water with alum mordant to make a purple dye. When tin mordant is added to the dye with a small amount of chalk it makes a pale blue, whilst alum with chalk makes a grey-green. Hollyhocks are vigorous and easy to grow, making them a good place to start if you want to grow dye plants.

A brown black flower on a green stem

Next: Ruta graveolens (Rue)
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