Red Lava Boulders

Red lava is a bold color for a boulder. These irregular stones are lightweight for their size, which makes them easier to move and place than dense rock. Like most lava, these stones are full of small holes. See Black Lichen Lava for how lava forms. The red color and rough texture give desert, cactus and modern gardens a strong accent.

What red lava looks like

Expect rough, irregular shapes and a porous surface full of small holes. The red tone ranges in depth from stone to stone.

The texture casts small shadows, so red lava looks lively in low morning and evening light.

Why lightweight matters

Because red lava is light for its size, you can place larger-looking stones by hand or with a dolly. The yard rents dollies by the day.

That also makes it a good choice in raised planters and on slopes where a heavy boulder would be hard to set.

Design ideas

Pair red lava with succulents and cactus for a desert look, or use it as a single accent in gravel. See our drought-tolerant ideas.

For contrast, set it against dark mulch or gray gravel. The boulders page shows other options, including black lava.

Red lava also works as a contrast piece in a mostly gray or tan boulder grouping. One red stone among neutral ones draws the eye without overwhelming the bed.

Popular uses

• Desert and cactus gardens
• Single accent boulders
• Rock gardens
• Raised planter accents
• Slope plantings