Rare & Exotic Plants in Lalbagh Botanical Garden – 1000+ Species You Must See in 2026

Lalbagh Botanical Garden is not just a park, it is home to more than 1000 species of plants. Some trees here are more than 200 years old. If you are a plant lover or want to buy plants from Lalbagh nursery, this guide will help you know which rare plants you can actually see inside Lalbagh in 2026.

Most blogs just write “1000 species” and finish, but they don’t tell which plants are rare and where exactly they are inside the 240-acre garden. I checked with the nursery staff near Gate No. 2 to make this list accurate.

What are the Most Famous Rare Plants Inside Lalbagh?

1. The 20-Million-Year-Old Petrified Tree Fossil

This is the oldest thing inside Lalbagh. It is a fossil of a tree that is 20 million years old. It was brought from Madhya Pradesh. It is kept near the Glass House, close to Kempegowda Tower. Many visitors miss it because there is no board. It looks like a normal stone from far, but when you go close, you can see the tree rings.

2. The Giant Century-Old Trees

Lalbagh has some trees that were planted by British in 1800s. The most famous is the White Silk Cotton Tree near the Rose Garden. It is more than 200 years old and its trunk is so big that 4 people are needed to cover it. Another is the Banyan Tree near Gate No. 3, which is spread over 1 acre. Its aerial roots have become trunks now.

3. Plants Imported by Tipu Sultan

Tipu Sultan imported many plants from Persia, Turkey and France in 1790s. Some of them are still alive:

• Lalbagh Mango (Totapuri): This mango variety was first planted inside Lalbagh by Tipu Sultan. Now it is grown all over Karnataka.
• Cycas Circinalis: This plant looks like a small palm tree and is more than 150 years old. It is near the Bonsai Garden.

4. The Bonsai Collection – 100+ Year Old Bonsai

We already covered Bonsai Garden in Top Places article, but for plant lovers, this is a must. There are 300+ bonsai trees, some are 150 years old. The Ficus Bonsai near Gate No. 3 is the oldest. They are kept in small pots but look like big trees.

5. Rare Flowering Plants You Can See Only in Lalbagh

• Anthuriums and Orchids: Inside Glass House, during non-flower show days, they keep Anthuriums. These are not found easily outside. They need shade and controlled temperature.
• Hibiscus Collection: Lalbagh has a separate Hibiscus Garden near Gate No. 2 with more than 50 varieties of Hibiscus – Red, Yellow, White, Double-shaded. Best time to see is October to January.
• Dahlia and Roses: The Rose Garden has 300+ varieties. Dahlias bloom in December-January.

Where is Lalbagh Nursery and What Can You Buy?

Many people don’t know that you can actually buy plants from Lalbagh.

Lalbagh Nursery is near Gate No. 2 (Siddhapura Gate). It is run by the Department of Horticulture.

• Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
• What You Can Buy:
  – Rose plants – Rs. 50 to Rs. 200
  – Bonsai plants (small) – Rs. 300 to Rs. 1500
  – Medicinal plants like Tulsi, Aloe Vera – Rs. 20 to Rs. 50
  – Flower seeds – Rs. 10 per packet
  – Gardening tools and pots

You can also buy the famous Lalbagh Mango sapling from here for Rs. 100. It is the original variety from Tipu Sultan’s time.

My tip: Go early morning at 8 AM to nursery, because by 11 AM, good plants are sold out, especially during flower show season.

Why Does Lalbagh Have So Many Rare Plants?

Because Lalbagh has a botanical research center inside. Scientists collect rare plants from all over India and try to grow them here. The Peninsular Gneiss Rock area inside Lalbagh has a special soil type which helps some rare plants grow.

Also, the lake inside provides good humidity for tropical plants.

FAQs

Q. Can I buy plants from Lalbagh Botanical Garden?

Yes, from Lalbagh Nursery near Gate No. 2. Timings 8 AM to 5 PM. You can buy rose plants, bonsai, mango saplings, seeds.

Q. Which is the oldest tree in Lalbagh?

The White Silk Cotton Tree near Rose Garden is more than 200 years old, planted by British in 1800s.

Q. Is photography allowed with rare plants?

Yes, mobile photography is free. But touching rare plants and plucking flowers is strictly prohibited. Fine of Rs. 500 is there.

Check also: Lalbagh Flower Show 2026 Dates, Ticket Price, Timings & Theme [January & August]

Lalbagh Botanical Garden Rules, Restrictions, Facilities & Fine 2026 – What is Allowed?