How to Dye Leaves on Indian Hawthorn

Protect your work are from accidental spills by spreading several layers of newspaper over your work surface. Mix your dye before cutting the stems from your Indian hawthorne tree. Select a dark shade of flower dye, such as a deep navy blue, dark purple or chocolate brown. Pale colors and light colors, such as light pink or white, won't show up on these dark green leaves. Follow the mixing instruction on the flower dye label and pour the mixture into a tall vase or glass.

Cut several stems from your Indian hawthorne. Select stems that contain several clusters of young leaves. Choose only healthy leaves that show no signs of pest damage or disease. Use a sharp knife to make an angular cut along the end of the stem. This long cut allows the stem to absorb an optimal amount of liquid.

Strip off the leaves that fall below the surface of the water in your vase, leaving just the end clusters on the upper portion of the stems. Place Indian hawthorne stems into the vase of colored water. Arrange the stems so the leaves are not crowded or bent. Place the vase in a cool area that is free from drafts. Keep the vase of Indian hawthorne leaves out of direct sunlight while the stems absorb the dye.

Check the Indian hawthorn cuttings frequently. The leaves often begin changing color within a few hours. Remove the stems from the colored water as soon as they reach the desired shade. Rinse the stems in fresh water to remove any dye residue and place the dyed Indian hawthorn leaves in a vase of fresh water with a selection of cut flowers and other varieties of foliage.