Can I Mulch Around Flowers With Stones?

When to Use a Stone Mulch

• Stones should only be used as mulches for established perennial plants and shrubs. They are not suitable for mulching around annual flower beds. Ideally, you should not have to carry out further planting in the garden bed, avoiding the necessity for lifting stones to plant new shrubs or flowers.

Benefits of Stone Mulch

• Stone and gravel mulches are ideal to use for weed control. In addition, the permanent nature of the mulch means that it will not degrade, unlike organic mulches, and it is low maintenance. Stone mulches regulate soil temperatures and protect plant roots from extreme fluctuations in temperatures. Stones also protect wet soil against evaporation and prevent soil erosion.

Types

• There are a number of attractive stone mulches to choose from, including marble chips, colored gravels, washed pebbles, cobbles and brick chips. Garden centers typically stock a variety of stones that are suitable for mulching.