Luxurious, Pastel Pink Marble Magic
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Calcite
Other Name(s):
Italian rose chippings, Kelkay Italian rose gravel, pink decorative stones, Italian rose gravel, Kelkay Italian rose, Kelkay premium Italian rose
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Italian rose gravel, also known as Italian rose chippings, is a luxurious marble decorative aggregate with a distinctive pink colour spectrum that can instantly brighten up any indoor or outdoor space. These particular colours complement surrounding plants and contrast nicely with other materials commonly used in seaside themed features and Mediterranean or Alpine styles of gardens.
This is a comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about Italian rose 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marble | 14-32mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Metamorphic rock
Colour
Varied shades of pink, peach and white
Shape
Round to sub-angular
Size Range
14-32mm (0.5-1.4")
Italian rose chippings 14-20mm, Kelkay Premium Italian Rose 16-32mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
High
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
No
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like Italian rose gravel offer numerous benefits in garden and landscape design. They significantly embellish the look of any space while providing a low-maintenance solution for retaining moisture, improving drainage and suppressing weeds. Italian rose gravel brings a unique charm with its warm pink tones, adding texture and a Mediterranean feel to any setting. The natural colour variations add depth and texture, while its angular shape ensures stable surfaces suitable for walking paths and patios.
Applications
Italian rose gravel is particularly suited to creating visually striking rock gardens, paths, and borders. This pretty rosy-white gravel has spectacular pink tones that harmoniously blend with green landscapes, making it a popular choice for alpine ground covers and decorative feature rock gardens, as well as indoor and outdoor planters. Although a premium-priced gravel, Italian rose can also be used to create majestic pathways, or drives, due to it's round, sub-angular shape.
In the following section, we list many common Italian rose gravel uses. 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 Italian rose chippings include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that Italian rose gravel may not be suitable for:
- 1Aquascaping due to the alkaline effect on water pH posing harm to aquatic life.
- 2Areas with fine plantings: If you have creepers or low-growing plants in your garden gravel can make it harder for these plants to thrive, as it may interfere with their root systems as they try to grow.
- 3Some experts say that limestone chippings are unsuitable for french drains because they deteriorate and pack down like a sub base.
- 4Play surfaces due to the unforgiving nature of the gravel in the event of a fall.
Similar Alternatives to Italian Rose Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to Italian rose 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, grey | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | 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
Italian rose 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. It is recommended to occasionally power wash the product in order to maintain its original colour and prevent the buildup of algae or moss. Natural quarry materials may also have dust which should be washed off with water during installation. For areas with heavy foot traffic, such as paths or footpaths, replenishing the chippings may be necessary 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 Italian rose 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, Italian rose gravel 16-32mm is typically best for driveways, where smaller Italian rose chippings 14-20mm are slightly better suited to footpaths where available.
Within the UK, Italian rose gravel is a product made by Kelkay. It is available from stocked suppliers of their products in small or bulk bags. There are some similar products as well, such as Italian rose chippings, which can be purchased through select suppliers.
Our gravel calculator will give you a quick and unbiased estimate for your project needs just by taking a few measurements of the space. It is one of the best and easiest ways to order the right amount and helps avoid shortfalls or over-spending. Purchasing abulk bag or ordering in loose loads can offer better value than purchasing in smaller quantities. Therefore, calculating accurately can save both time and money. It is also important to consider the delivery aspects, including vehicle access to the site. Additionally, you should check stock availability and factor in VAT and transportation costs if applicable.
FAQs
Is Italian rose gravel safe for fish?
No, Italian rose gravel is from calcite, meaning that their alkalinity will affect aquatic environments and be detrimental to aquatic life.
Where does flamingo gravel come from?
Flamingo gravel, also known as flamingo aggregate, typically consists of natural stones sourced from quarries that provide this distinct pink hue, often found in regions with silica and quartz-based geological formations.
What is Staffordshire pink gravel?
Staffordshire pink gravel is a specific type of crushed stone, known for its pink and grey shades, suitable for driveways and paths, originating from Staffordshire, England.
What is flamingo stone?
Pink flamingo stones are a decorative aggregate known for their vibrant pink colour, used in various landscaping applications to add a bright and unique touch to gardens and outdoor spaces. Purchasing a flamingo stone chippings bulk bag is the most economical way to obtain them.
