Bengaluru is ablaze with colour this summer. Pink pouis (Tabebuia rosea), fiery red gulmohars, sunny yellow Tabebuias, and regal purple jacarandas are painting the city’s streets, parks, and lakesides — delighting daily walkers and whizzing commuters alike.

At Benniganahalli Lake, Krishna D Kattimani, 30, welcomes early risers to witness the lake’s surface shimmer in pink, mirrored by the blooming trees around. “The transformation began in January, peaked in March, and locals love it,” he shared. Even Hussainamma, 18, a sweeper from Ballari, takes quiet joy in the petal-laden paths: “We sweep, but the flowers keep falling — it’s endless beauty.”

From Cubbon Park’s riot of colours to GKVK’s floral flourish and Indiranagar’s striking jacarandas, the city has turned into a painter’s palette. Old Airport Road basked in yellow until recently, while neighbourhoods revel in their own seasonal bloom show.

Yet amidst this floral celebration, veteran environmentalist AN Yellappa Reddy offers a caution. “These ornamental trees are pretty, but not always purposeful,” he noted. “Tenders for planting often bypass horticulture experts. There should be a plan — tree selection should consider local pollution, noise, and ecological needs.”

He advocated for scientifically informed planting, citing species like Champaka and Rudraksha that release beneficial oils and hormones. Reddy also highlighted ongoing efforts like the Janakiamma Ethnobotanical Garden project that promotes native, health-boosting flora across public lands.

As Bengaluru blooms, experts say it’s time to root beauty in science.