India GOFlowers and trees of Chandigarh
The state flower of Chandigarh is the dhak, or flame of the forest (Butea monosperma), and the state tree is the mango. Both were adopted in 2010 with the city's bird and animal. Beyond the symbols, Chandigarh was planted on purpose: roads were assigned their own avenue trees, and a chain of gardens, each devoted to one plant, runs through the sectors. Here is what flowers when and where to see it.
Mango
The state tree of Chandigarh, and the tree the Mughal garden at Pinjore was laid out around: the mango terraces there predate the modern city by three centuries.
Mangifera indica
Flame of the forest (palash)
The dhak flower is the state flower of Chandigarh. In February and March the Shivalik slopes behind the city turn orange with it, and the flowers were the traditional source of Holi's yellow-orange colour.
Butea monosperma
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is the plant that gives Chandigarh's roundabouts and sector walls their colour, planted as part of the city's original landscaping scheme. It is brightest in the dry months, when the plant is under stress.
Bougainvillea glabra
Indian laburnum (golden shower)
Chandigarh's roads are known by the trees planted along them, and amaltas was chosen for the inner roads of Sector 34, alongside kadam and bahera. In the city it flowers from May into July.
Cassia fistula
Red silk-cotton tree
One of the best trees in an Indian city for watching birds: in February and March a single flowering semal will hold a dozen species at once.
Bombax ceiba
Garden rose
The Zakir Husain Rose Garden in Sector 16 was laid out in 1967 under Mohinder Singh Randhawa, Chandigarh's first Chief Commissioner and a botanist; Chandigarh Tourism gives its area as about 40 acres and describes it as Asia's largest rose garden. The city's annual Rose Festival is held here.
Rosa × hybrida
The state flower and the state tree
Dhak (palash, flame of the forest). In February and March the Shivalik slopes behind the city turn orange with it. The flowers were the traditional source of the yellow-orange colour used at Holi.
Mango. The state tree, and the tree the Mughal garden at Pinjore was laid out around: its mango terraces predate the modern city by about three centuries. The Pinjore Gardens are 22 km out on the Shimla highway.
The other two symbols are the Indian grey hornbill and the Indian grey mongoose; see birds of Chandigarh and animals.
Trees along the roads
Chandigarh's roads are known by the trees planted along them. Amaltas (Indian laburnum, golden shower, Cassia fistula) was chosen for the inner roads of Sector 34, alongside kadam and bahera; in the city it flowers from May into July, in hanging yellow chains. Semal (red silk-cotton, Bombax ceiba) flowers red in February and March, and a single tree in bloom can hold a dozen bird species at once. Bougainvillea was planted on the roundabouts and sector walls as part of the original landscaping, and is brightest in the dry months, when the plant is under stress.
Gardens, one plant at a time
Most of these sit along Leisure Valley, the green strip that runs about 8 km through the city. Sizes and years are from Chandigarh Tourism.
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Sector 16
Laid out in 1967 under Mohinder Singh Randhawa, the city's first Chief Commissioner and a botanist. Chandigarh Tourism gives about 40 acres and calls it Asia's largest rose garden; it holds about 1,600 varieties. Best in winter and early spring; the Rose Festival is usually held here in February.
Bougainvillea Garden, Sector 3
Set up in 1976 on 20 acres, with 65 varieties of bougainvillea, some shaped into forms. Arches and pergolas are at their best in spring.
Hibiscus Garden and Garden of Fragrance, Sector 36
The Hibiscus Garden opened in 1974 on 8 acres with more than 40 varieties. The Garden of Fragrance (1988) is planted with scented flowering plants.
Terraced Garden, Sector 33, and Shanti Kunj, Sector 16
The Terraced Garden (1979) covers 10 acres. Shanti Kunj is five small gardens divided by a stream, planted with herbs and medicinal shrubs.
Smriti Upavan, Sector 1
A memorial grove where families plant a tree for someone they have lost; the first was a banyan for Nehru.
Cactus Garden, Sector 5, Panchkula
The National Cactus and Succulent Botanical Garden: seven acres started by the collector J.S. Sarkaria in 1987, with more than 3,500 species of cacti and succulents, outdoors and in glass houses. The cactus show is held in March.
What flowers when
| Months | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Winter to early spring | Roses in the Rose Garden |
| February–March | Dhak on the Shivalik slopes, semal on the avenues |
| March | Cactus show in Panchkula |
| Spring and the dry months | Bougainvillea arches and roundabouts |
| May–July | Amaltas on the avenues |
May and June are the hottest months, with average highs of 38–39°C, so walk the gardens early in the day.
Plants for butterflies
The Butterfly Park in Sector 26 was planted the other way round: the forest department chose the host and nectar plants particular butterflies need, such as lime and curry leaf for the common mormon. Around 35 species use it. More in butterflies of Chandigarh and parks.
FAQ
What is the state flower of Chandigarh?
Dhak, also called palash or flame of the forest (Butea monosperma). It flowers orange on the Shivalik slopes in February and March.
What is the state tree of Chandigarh?
The mango (Mangifera indica), adopted in 2010 with the state flower, bird and animal.
When is the Rose Garden in bloom?
Winter and early spring. The Rose Festival is usually held there in February.
Where can I see bougainvillea in Chandigarh?
The Bougainvillea Garden in Sector 3, with 65 varieties on 20 acres, and on roundabouts and sector walls across the city.
Which trees line Chandigarh's roads?
Each road was given its own trees; Sector 34's inner roads, for example, have amaltas, kadam and bahera.
Sources (5)
Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
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