Devon Pink: a Rare Gem in the Garden
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Carboniferous limestone
Other Name(s):
Devon pink, limestone pink, pink limestone gravel, pink limestone chippings, Devon pink limestone
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Pink limestone gravel, also known as Devon pink gravel because it is quarried in the Cornwall region, is a rare find in landscape design. Pink limestone gravel is a very economical stone with an understated elegance for its price. It is light pink in colour when dry, and when wet, it transforms into a striking pink hue.
This comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about pink limestone gravel, a hardscape and construction aggregate. It details the product's specifications, accompanied by photographs, and outlines its benefits, applications, and incompatibilities as a landscaping material. Additionally, this entry serves as a gateway to a wealth of DIY resources, with a list of comparable alternatives, articles offering design inspiration and fundamental principles, and a collection of straightforward, step-by-step instructions for constructing your own hardscaping features.
Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Limestone | 10-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Sedimentary rock
Colour
Pink with peach, orange and white
Shape
Angular
Size Range
10mm - 20mm (0.4" - 0.8")
10mm pink limestone chippings, pink limestone chippings 20mm, pink limestone 20mm, 20mm pink limestone, 20mm devon pink limestone
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
Economical
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
No
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Incorporating decorative aggregates in gardening and landscaping can provide various low-maintenance benefits, such as suppressing weed growth, moisture retention and erosion control. However, it's essential to use limestone aggregates with caution around young plants or acid-loving trees and shrubs due to their alkalinity, which can affect soil pH.
Limestone pink gravel is an excellent choice for creating a striking background that contrasts with bold and subtle hardscaping themes. It is highly durable and ideal for high-traffic areas such as driveways and walkways. The light pink hue of this gravel reflects sunlight, brightening shaded garden spots and creating a sense of more space.
Applications
Pink limestone gravel is a versatile and attractive material that can be used for various purposes. It is an excellent choice for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing driveways, pathways, and patios. This aggregate can also be used to contrast rock gardens and as a base for water features. Its unique colour and texture make it an excellent option for creating an irresistible look in any outdoor space.
However, like all limestone products, it is also an alkaline agent. This means they are unsuitable for acid-loving plants and trees, so it's best not to cover these planting areas, beds or borders, as it can harm plants that thrive in pH-neutral conditions. For the same reason, they are not suitable for water features with aquatic life.
In the following section, we list many common limestone pink gravel uses, although it is not exhaustive. Wherever there is a hyperlink beside an item, an article from Outdoor Aggregates about the topic is available.
Inspiration and Informational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for pink limestone gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that pink limestone gravel may not be suitable for:
- 1Aquascaping due to the alkaline effect on water pH posing harm to aquatic life.
- 2High moisture areas like pond linings due to alkaline nature.
- 3As an alkaline agent, they are unsuitable for acidic soil gardens, and as a general rule, they are not suitable for use as a ground cover around plants and trees unless they are suited to alkaline soils.
- 4Some experts say that limestone chippings are unsuitable for french drains because they deteriorate and pack down like a sub base.
- 5Play surfaces due to the unforgiving nature of the gravel in the event of a fall.
Similar Alternatives to Pink Limestone Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to pink limestone gravel. They may offer you a more suitable variation on the primary colour, a more economical option, or a close substitute for cases where the base material may be unsuitable for the project you are creating, e.g. limestone is not fish-friendly, where slate is.
Name | Colours | Material | Size | Shape | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
pink, grey | Blend | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
pink, grey, white | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA, EU | |||
pink, white | Marble | 10-32mm (0.4-1.25") | angular | UK, USA | ||
apricot, grey | Quartzite | 20mm (0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
pink, brown, white | Quartzite | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | round, angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
pink | 10-40mm (0.4-1.5") | irregular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Limestone pink gravel are generally low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, with most work limited to raking and the occasional removal of debris. Occasional power washing of the product is advisable to maintain the original colour and prevent algae or moss buildup. Natural quarry materials also may have dust, which should be hosed off with water at the time of installation.
For areas with heavy footfall, such as paths or footpaths, replenishment of gravel may be required over time to maintain depth and coverage. For more on how to clean gravel, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing limestone pink gravel, consider the size options and quantity necessary for your project. Where available, it is cost-effective to request a sample to assess the stone's colour and quality against your design requirements. Also, consider the different sizes; for instance, pink limestone chippings 20mm are typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm pink limestone chippings are better suited to footpaths.
Using our gravel calculator to get an unbiased estimate for your project needs is one of the best and easiest ways to order the right amount without the risk of shortfalls or over-spending - all you need is a few measurements of the space. Ordering in bulk bags is often more cost-effective than smaller quantities. Also, always ensure you consider the delivery aspects, especially the vehicle access to the site.
FAQs
What is 10mm limestone used for?
10mm limestone gravel is suitable for usage in paths, decorative borders, and as a top layer for driveways due to its small size, which provides a more compact surface.
What is 20mm limestone chippings used for?
20mm limestone chippings are commonly used for driveways, landscaping borders, and patios due to their large size, providing better drainage and a more stable surface.
How much does a bulk bag of pink limestone cover?
A 20mm Devon pink limestone bulk bag covers 22㎡ at 30mm depth.
What colour are limestone chippings?
Limestone chippings come in shades of pink, black, grey and white, ranging from light to dark, and sometimes in buff or cream hues.
