Tufa rock boulders

Tufa does not look like any other boulder in the yard. It is calcium carbonate formed by hot springs. The colors are light and soft: cream, white and tan, with some brown. Gardeners like its light, soft colors. It brings a bright, desert feel to a planting bed and looks right at home with succulents and grasses.

How Tufa forms and what it looks like

Tufa builds up where hot spring water deposits calcium carbonate. The boulders are mostly cream, white and tan, with some brown.

Because it is pale, Tufa lights up a shady corner and contrasts well with dark mulch or darker gravel. Every piece has its own shape, so pick yours by walking the pallets.

Planting around Tufa

Tufa boulders sit well among succulents and grasses in a rock garden. Larger boulders make strong focal points in drought-tolerant beds.

It also works along dry creek beds and around ponds. If the stone will sit in constant water, tell staff so they can talk through whether it suits your feature. See our water feature stone guide.

Buying and placing Tufa

Tufa is sold by weight like other boulders, so staff quote by phone or at the yard once you know the sizes you want. Bring a photo of the spot and rough measurements.

Set each boulder so part of it sits below grade. That makes it look natural rather than placed on top of the soil.

Popular uses

• Succulent and rock gardens
• Drought-tolerant landscape accents
• Dry creek beds
• Pond edges
• Focal boulders in pale color schemes