Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Bengal's Bougainvillaea Boom: A Gardening Revolution
Bougainvillaea, a colorful plant, has become very popular in Bengal.
A man named Chiranjit Maity loves this plant so much that he started a nursery with over 400 types of Bougainvillaea.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, he created a Facebook page that brought together many plant lovers.
People in Bengal are now growing Bougainvillaea on their balconies and rooftops because it is easy to care for and looks beautiful.
The plant was brought to Bengal a long time ago and was named 'Bagan Vilas' by the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore.
Today, many people, including scientists and gardeners, are collecting and breeding different types of Bougainvillaea.
The plant has become a big part of Bengal's gardening culture.
Chiranjit Maity runs a nursery in Singur with over 400 Bougainvillaea varieties.
Bougainvillaea's popularity surged post-pandemic due to its low maintenance and vibrant colors.
The plant is known for its adaptability to urban conditions and polluted air.
Bougainvillaea was named 'Bagan Vilas' by Rabindranath Tagore, giving it a Bengali identity.
Nursery owners and breeders are now treating Bougainvillaea as a serious business opportunity.
- Who
- Chiranjit Maity, Dr. Partha Pratim Biswas, Dr. Anjan Kumar Sinha, Dr. Mitu De, Amitava Mukherjee
- What
- A gardening revolution centered around Bougainvillaea in Bengal
- When
- Post-pandemic boom, with significant growth over the past three years
- Where
- Bengal, particularly South Kolkata, Barrackpore, and Howrah
- Why
- Bougainvillaea's adaptability to urban conditions, low maintenance, and vibrant colors
Traditional Gardeners
Modern Bougainvillaea Enthusiasts
Plant Preferences
Traditional Gardeners
Traditional gardeners prefer plants like Bel (jasmine) and Krishnachura for their cultural significance and fragrance.
Modern Bougainvillaea Enthusiasts
Modern enthusiasts favor Bougainvillaea for its low maintenance and vibrant colors.
Gardening Practices
Traditional Gardeners
Traditional gardeners often use more labor-intensive methods and prioritize plants with cultural roots.
Modern Bougainvillaea Enthusiasts
Modern gardeners embrace Bougainvillaea for its adaptability to urban conditions and ease of care.
- Primary Cultivars
- B. spectabilis, B. glabra, B. peruviana
- Common Colors
- Pink, red, orange, white, purple, variegated
- Nursery Location
- Singur, West Bengal
- Number of Varieties
- 400+
- Price Range
- Rs 50 to Rs 8,000
- Notable Cultivars
- Camarillo Fiesta, Raspberry Ice, Double Pink, Glabra Sanderiana
- Cultural Name
- Bagan Vilas
- Social Media Impact
- Facebook and Instagram communities