Black Gravel for Landscaping

Paths

• A path created with black gravel almost demands to be followed. Pair the black with bright green foliage such as lady's mantle or create an air of mystery with purple sweet potato plants and black taro. Edge a sunny path with bright orange marigolds or yellow coreopsis for contrast. Paths for one person should be at least 3 feet wide for comfort. Curve the path to make the journey more interesting.

Mulch

• Mulch cuts down on weeds because it blocks light reaching the seedlings. It also converses moisture. Black obsidian gravel highlights exotic potted plants such as orchids and bromeliads. Create a fantasy look with black river rocks and succulents. Use the black gravel mulch to make white flowers or plants with variegated foliage of white, yellow and green to really pop.

Focal Point

• Black is an unusual color for landscaping. Using black gravel creates a focal point, especially when used in a pattern with other colored gravel, such as concentric circles. Highlight an urn by placing it on a circle of black gravel. Place the gravel in beds on both sides of a path leading up to the entryway. Plant flax with its sharp sword-shaped leaves in the gravel for a sophisticated look.

Water Feature

• Black gravel in the bottom of a water feature such as a pond makes the water look deeper and more mysterious, much like dark tile in a swimming pool makes the pool look like a lagoon. You don't want to put too much black gravel in the bottom, however, as it can distract from the water element.

Tips

• Gravel starts to look messy when dead leaves, spent blossoms and twigs start falling on it. Black seems to look even messier than gravel that is more naturally colored. Use a leaf blower to keep the gravel looking neat and tidy. Black retains heat, which is beneficial in cooler climates or in the early spring. Use black gravel in a spring bulb bed to get a head start on the season. Avoid using black gravel heats in sun-exposed areas where temperatures consistently rise over 80 degrees as this will kill your plants.