Marveling the Texas bluebonnets in pink sundresses! Every spring, Texas, like many other places, is adorned with wildflowers. But what makes the Lone Star State so special is its state flower, the bluebonnet. I (mostly) grew up in Austin, Texas, and it is tradition to take annual photos with bluebonnets. I came across these photos taken many, many years ago and remembered how special it is to see vast fields filled with colorful wildflowers.
The best time of year to witness the blooming bluebonnets is late March – early April. I would also argue that this is the best time of year to visit Texas in general as it hasn’t reached 100 degree heat yet. If you are in Austin, this is also when SXSW is happening. I love this festival for the live music. It feels like the whole city is on holiday as everyone walks the streets, dancing to the music and looking up what taco joint to hit up next.
Another amazing place to see bluebonnets is the German town of Fredericksburg, Texas (about a two hour drive from Austin). Marvel the wildflowers, go antique shopping, stop at Wildseed Farms for gardening inspiration, eat at The Auslander for German food, or head to one of the many breweries or wineries in the area.
Grow Your Own Bluebonnets
Growing up, I was always told it was illegal to pick the bluebonnets. Apparently that fact is not true, but I don’t think they should be picked anyway. You can always grow them in your own yard (if you live in the right climate). To do this, you’ll need rocky, alkaline soil. Scarify the seeds and plant them in October. Rainfall and other winter weather conditions will affect how many blooms you get in the spring. But if you let them reseed, you may end up with a crop of bluebonnets over a number of years. My family planted bluebonnets in our backyard, and every year there was always a few more flowers than the spring before.
Bluebonnet Origins + Rise to Fame
The Bluebonnet became the state flower of Texas in 1901. Some say it got its name because it resembles a sunbonnet. Later, Lady Bird Johnson’s push for highway beautification lead to widespread planting of native plants along Texas highways. As a result, most roads and highways have gorgeous wildflowers as a backdrop during the spring. Many families will pull off the side of the road and take photos, and that is exactly what I did for this photoshoot. It is a Texas tradition after all.
As historian Jack Maguire wrote, “The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England, and the tulip to Holland.”
Outfit Ideas:
I love this garden hat from Nordstrom. I also like this hat from Madewell.
Pink Dress #1 from Anthropologie with these shoes.
Pink Dress #2 from Anthropologie with these shoes or these boots.
Pink Dress #3 from Anthropologie with these boots or these sandals.
Or this stunning bluebonnet dress from Etsy with these shoes from Anthropologie and this straw garden hat from Madewell.
Shop more bluebonnet gift and decor inspiration below!
