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Over the last few weeks, we’ve been exploring blooms that are particularly prized beneath the Mason-Dixon Line. Today, it’s all about Texas, because we’re chatting about the bluebonnet!
Bluebonnet image by Athena Pelton, overlay by SW
Beautiful! I’m sure the heart of every Texan reading this post is swelling with pride, because the bluebonnets are truly a treasure of the Lone Star State. They’re also, of course, it’s state flower.
Clockwise from top: Chase A. Fountain via the Dallas News, via Aggie Horticulture, CarolWatson on flickr, and Carla Stewart
Bluebonnets are a wildlower, and they grow over the winter, generally blooming in the last week of March or the first week of April. Because the seeds are encased in a hard outer “shell” that must be worn down by wind and rain, it’s said that the worse the winter, the prettier the bluebonnets. That’s a nice reward, don’t you think? According to Texans, the best bluebonnet spotting area is the triangle formed by Austin, San Antonio, and San Angelo.
Because of the short, unpredictable growing season, it’s risky to include bluebonnets in your plans for things like bouquets or centerpieces. If you do, make sure you have a backup bloom in mind! Grape hyacinth or muscari is a more widely-available spring flower with a similar look. Here’s a little inspiration for those of you getting married in the bluebonnet sweet spot:
From top: first two by Arielle Doneson, middle three by McGowan Images via Style Me Pretty, and last two by Melissa Schollaert via Southern Weddings
Keep in mind that we know not all of these images are of bluebonnets (though most are!), but we figured the shape and hue of the blooms would give you a good approximation of what bluebonnets might look like if you chose to use them!
Even if you’re getting married in, say, September, working with your photographer to shoot your engagement photos during bluebonnet season is a great way to work some Texas pride into your wedding! They do make a beautiful backdrop…
Amanda Marie Portraits
One last fun fact about bluebonnets? They have five leaves, which are said to represent the five points of the Texas Lone Star :)
What’s your favorite Southern stem? Any Texans out there want to share some Texas pride or up close and personal bluebonnet encounters in the comments?
P.S. Don’t miss our posts on camellias and wisteria!
Melissa Schollaert is a fabulous member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!
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JM, May 10, 2012 7:53 pm reply It's illegal to pick bluebonnets in the state of Texas, to my knowledge, so it's impossible to use them in a bouquet or anything else for a wedding. A real Texan would NEVER pick one! But they are a gorgeous backdrop and inspiration.
Emily, May 11, 2012 9:46 am reply Hi JM! Thank you so much for chiming in! I actually did some research, and according to the Texas Department of Public Safety, it is NOT illegal to pick bluebonnets - just illegal to trespass on private property, and to damage or destroy rights of way (so don't dig up an entire field). But a few blooms for a bouquet should be no problem at all! You can read more here: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/pr032602.htm
Jenn, May 16, 2012 11:07 pm reply Thanks so much for posting about The Lone Star State! Bluebonnets do make a lovely backdrop for a wedding, and while we can pick them or grow our own, I think their stems are pretty delicate, making them less-than-hardy for a bouquet, but I've seen them planted in tiny planter pots for centerpieces at a garden wedding! They also look striking against the unofficial flower that blooms about a week to two weeks later, the Indian Paintbrush. http://www.ranchflowers.com/photoszb_combos/indian%20paintbrush%20%26%20texas%20bluebonnets.htm They're almost coral in color! So pretty with the blue and white...
Angeline Kincannon, May 20, 2012 11:30 pm reply This is so Awesome!!!!!! :))))
athena, June 1, 2012 3:44 pm reply Spring in Texas is one of the most magnificent seasons I've ever witnessed (And I'm from the Midwest, so I know seasons). The bluebonnets - and the rest of the Texas wildflowers - are a big reason why. It's really quite breathtaking - seeing fields stretched as far as the eye can see - blue. Purple. Specks of white. It's not french lavender, but it may as well be. If you ever have the chance to get to Hill Country in the Spring - do it. You won't regret it. Promise :) xoxo