Design ideas
Best Pebbles for Planters and Flower Beds
Two jobs, two different stones: drainage at the bottom, decoration at the top.
Buy Pebbles editorial team · Reviewed by the Buy Pebbles supply desk · Published · 4 min read
The drainage layer
Coarse 20–40 mm stone over the drainage holes keeps potting mix from washing out and stops the base of the pot becoming waterlogged. There is no reason to use decorative material here — it will never be seen.
The top dressing
A 20–25 mm layer of 5–20 mm polished or tumbled stone finishes the pot, reduces surface evaporation and stops soil splashing during watering. Keep it slightly clear of plant stems.
Choosing colour
Indoors, white and black give the cleanest contrast against foliage. Outdoors, mixed natural tones age better because they hide dust. Use one stone colour across a group of planters rather than a different one in each.