How to Choose The Right Decorative Landscaping Rock for Your Project

Ali Bloom
7 min readApr 8, 2024

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Decorative Landscaping Rock from Kilgore Landscape Center in Salt Lake City Utah. How to Choose colored landscaping rocks and landscaping cobbles.
Decorative Landscaping Rock from Kilgore Landscape Center and How to Choose

Among the many decisions to make, selecting the right decorative landscaping rock can significantly impact the overall aesthetic and functionality of your outdoor space. Whether you’re revamping your garden, creating a water feature, or simply adding accents to pathways, the type of landscaping rock you choose matters. With so many options available, you should understand the characteristics and applications of different types of landscaping rocks in Utah. Kilgore Landscape has your back. In this guide, we’ll explain many different types of decorative rocks offered by Kilgore Landscape Center at Asphalt Materials Inc, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, to help you make an informed decision for your landscaping project.

10 Best Decorative Landscaping Rocks and Their Features:

1. Arctic Pebbles 1/2″ — 1″

Decorative Landscaping Rock Arctic Pebbles .5–1 inches from Kilgore Landscape Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Landscaping Cobbles, colored landscaping rocks, and more landscaping rocks.
Decorative Landscaping Rock Arctic Pebbles .5–1 inches from Kilgore Landscape Center

Arctic Pebbles, sized between 1/2 inch and 1 inch, offer a stunning blend of purple, pink, and cream colors. These pebbles are incredibly versatile and can serve as an excellent ground cover for your garden. They are ideal for water features and accents and work equally well in both wet and dry landscapes. Pair them with smaller cobble or boulders to create a natural-looking landscape or use them to create aesthetically pleasing dry river beds and park strips.

  • Size: 1/2 inch to 1 inch
  • Colors: Purple, pink, cream
  • Best for: Ground cover, water features, accents
  • Pairs well with: Smaller cobble, boulders, flagstone
  • Also great for: Dry river beds, park strips

2. Berry Dazzle 1 1/2″

Decorative Landscaping Rock Berry Dazzle 1.5 inches from Kilgore Landscape Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Landscaping Cobbles, colored landscaping rocks, and more landscaping rocks.
Decorative Landscaping Rock Berry Dazzle 1.5 inches from Kilgore Landscape Center.

Berry Dazzle is a Plum/Purple crushed igneous rock with quartzite that sparkles brilliantly under the sunlight. With a size of 1 1/2 inches, this decorative landscaping rock adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. It’s perfect for ground cover to prevent erosion and pairs beautifully with larger landscaping cobbles.

  • Size: 1 1/2 inches
  • Colors: Plum/purple
  • Composition: Crushed igneous rock with quartzite
  • Special feature: Sparkles in sunlight
  • Best for: Ground cover
  • Compliments: Larger cobble, cooler tones

3. Desert Rose 1″

Decorative Landscaping Rock Desert Rose 1 from Kilgore Landscape Center.

Desert Rose rocks feature a captivating blend of purple, rose, tan, brown, white, and other earth-toned highlights. Sized at approximately 1 inch, these rocks are not only visually appealing but also functional. They can be used as ground cover, in water features, or as accents, and are particularly effective for vegetation control on gradual slopes and park strips.

  • Size: Approximately 1 inch
  • Color: Purple/rose base with earth-toned highlights
  • Best for: Ground cover, water features, accents
  • Additional tips: Effective for vegetation control on slopes, park strips

4. Mountain Rose Medium 1 1/2″ Minus

Decorative Landscaping Rock Mountain Rose 1.5 Medium from Kilgore Landscape Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Landscaping Cobbles, colored landscaping rocks, and more landscaping rocks.
Decorative Landscaping Rock Mountain Rose 1.5 Medium from Kilgore Landscape Center.

With its predominantly pink color and subtle hints of whites, creams, and orange shades, Mountain Rose Medium rocks offer a vibrant and sparkling addition to any landscape. Ranging from 3/4 inch to 1 1/2 inches in size, these crushed decorative rocks are perfect for ground cover, water features, and accents. They also work well in both wet and dry landscapes, making them a versatile choice for various applications.

  • Size: 3/4 inch to 1 1/2 inches
  • Color: Mostly pink with whites, creams, and orange shades
  • Special feature: Sparkles in sunlight
  • Best for: Ground cover, water features, accents
  • Compliments: contrasting colors, focal point

5. Rainbow Beach Cobble 1 1/2"

Decorative Landscaping Rock Rainbow Beach Cobble 1.5 inches from Kilgore Landscape Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Landscaping Cobbles, colored landscaping rocks, and more landscaping rocks.
Decorative Landscaping Rock Rainbow Beach Cobble 1.5 inches from Kilgore Landscape Center.

Rainbow Beach Cobble decorative landscaping rocks are 1 1/2 inches in size and feature striking colors in purples, reds, and greens. These decorative river rocks are ideal for ground cover, water features, and accents, and can be used in both wet and dry landscapes. Pair them with larger cobble or boulders to create visually appealing natural landscapes or use them to embellish dry river beds and park strips.

  • Size: 1 1/2 inches
  • Color: Purples, reds, greens
  • Best for: Ground cover, water features, accents
  • Compliments: Larger cobble or boulders

6. Wasatch 1 1/2"

Decorative Landscaping Rock Wasatch 1.5 from Kilgore Landscape Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Landscaping Cobbles, colored landscaping rocks, and more landscaping rocks.
Decorative Landscaping Rock Wasatch 1.5 from Kilgore Landscape Center.

Wasatch rocks, sized at 1 1/2 inches, are highly versatile and can be used in both wet and dry applications. Whether you’re creating pathways, accents, or landscape features, these rocks perform exceptionally well. They pair seamlessly with other rock sizes and colors, making them ideal for water-wise landscaping projects.

  • Size: 1 1/2 inches
  • Best for: Stepping stones, paths, accents
  • Also good for: Driveways, under concrete
  • Compliments: Most other rock sizes and colors

7. White Marble 3/4″ Minus Rock

Decorative Landscaping Rock White Marble 3–4 inches from Kilgore Landscape Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Landscaping Cobbles, colored landscaping rocks, and more landscaping rocks.
Decorative Landscaping Rock White Marble 3–4 inches from Kilgore Landscape Center.

White Marble rocks, sized at 3/4 inch and smaller, offer a classic and elegant look to any outdoor space. Whether used as ground cover, in water features, or as accents, these decorative landscaping rocks add a touch of sophistication to your landscaping design. They are particularly effective for vegetation control on gradual slopes and park strips.

  • Size: 3/4 inch and smaller
  • Appearance: Classic white
  • Best for: Ground cover, water features, accents
  • Also good for: Vegetation control, gradual slopes, park strips
  • Compliments: Smaller cobble or boulders for natural landscapes

8. Glacier Cobble Medium 2″ — 3″

Decorative Landscaping Glacier Cobble Medium 2–3 inches from Kilgore Landscape Center.

Glacier Cobble rocks, sized between 2 and 3 inches, boast striking colors in purples, blues, and grays. These decorative river rocks are perfect for ground cover, water features, and accents, and can be used in both wet and dry landscapes. Pair them with smaller cobble or boulders to create visually appealing natural landscapes or use them to enhance dry river beds and park strips.

  • Size: 2 to 3 inches
  • Color: Purples, blues, grays
  • Best for: Ground cover, water features, accents
  • Compliments: Smaller cobble or boulders

9. Mexican Beach Cobble 1″ — 2″

Decorative Landscaping Rock Mexican Beach Cobble 1–2 inches from Kilgore Landscape Center.

Mexican Beach Cobble rocks, sized between 1 and 2 inches, offer a unique touch to any landscaping project. Handpicked from beaches in Mexico, these volcanic beach rocks feature a smooth, matte finish and are perfect for dry river beds, water features, or accents. Pair them with other decorative landscaping rock and install them at a minimum depth of 3 inches for optimal results.

  • Size: 1 to 2 inches
  • Color: Grey/Blue
  • Special Feature: Handpicked from beaches in Mexico
  • Best for: Dry river beds, water features, accents
  • Tip: Can be rubbed with baby oil for a natural look
  • Compliments: Concrete, Xeriscape, Other river cobbles, Gravel

10. Mystic 1 1/2″ Crushed Rock

Decorative Landscaping Rock Mystic 1 1/2″ Crushed Rock from Kilgore Landscape Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Landscaping Cobbles, colored landscaping rocks, and more landscaping rocks.
Decorative Landscaping Rock Mystic 1 1/2″ Crushed Rock from Kilgore Landscape Center.

Mystic rocks, sized at 1 1/2 inches, add a touch of mystery and allure to your outdoor space. With their purple color, these rocks work great in both wet and dry applications and can be used for various landscaping projects. Pair them with other rock sizes and colors to create water-wise landscapes that are both visually stunning and environmentally friendly.

  • Size: 1 1/2 inches
  • Color: Purple
  • Best for: Landscaping, window wells
  • Also good for: Top dressing material

Find Decorative Rocks at Kilgore Landscape Center

Kilgore Landscape Center at Asphalt Materials Inc provides high quality asphalt materials year round, offering what you need of Utah summers & winters. Our Salt Lake Landscape Center specializes in a variety of landscaping products from landscaping rocks, bulk mulch products, landscaping soils, colored landscaping rocks, flagstone, and more for home and commercial projects. Our Recycling Center is a disposal site for concrete and asphalt. We are located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Selecting the right decorative landscaping rock involves considering factors such as size, color, texture, and intended use. By understanding the characteristics and applications of different types of rocks, you can make an informed decision that enhances the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. Whether you’re creating a serene garden oasis or a vibrant water feature, Kilgore Landscape Center at Asphalt Materials Inc offers a wide range of high-quality landscaping rocks and even more landscaping materials to suit your needs. With their experience and quality hardscape products, you can transform your outdoor space into a breathtaking landscape that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

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