AUSTIN, Texas — Bluebonnet season in Texas came early this year, and experts predict it will end early too. But there are plenty of other wildflowers left to enjoy this spring in Texas.
Amy Medley is the lead horticulturist at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. She explains the science behind this year’s bluebonnet season.
“Bluebonnets started blooming earlier this year due to warmer than normal weather in January and February. This does mean that the blooms will decline and go to seed earlier this year. I expect that the bluebonnets will continue to bloom until sometime in early April,” Medley said.
Since the end of March is approaching, this means time is running out to snap some photos of or surrounded by sprawling bluebonnet fields. Medley gives us some good options for where to go.
“Take a drive! We have a guide on our website with recommended routes for spectacular wildflower views across the state,” she said. “And for that iconic bluebonnet photo, we have created bluebonnet photo spots at the Wildflower Center, where guests can safely take photos surrounded by bluebonnets.”
When enjoying bluebonnets, snakes and other creepy crawlers are always a danger to look out for, as they like to hang out hidden among the tall grass. Medley says the safest way to enjoy the blooms is to give them space and make sure to stay out of grass so tall that you can’t see your feet under it.
“The safest way to enjoy the bluebonnets is also safest for the plants, near them but not in or on them, always be sure you can see your feet and their surroundings," Medley said.
As for if the flowers will bloom early again next year, Medley says it’s too soon to tell, as it depends on several factors, mainly the weather leading up to bluebonnet season.
“The timing of bluebonnet blooms is dependent upon spring temperatures. An early warm up will bring early blooms and if it is cooler than normal, blooms will be delayed. Additionally, the number of blooms is dependent on fall rains when bluebonnet seeds begin to germinate. If we get substantial rain, more bluebonnet plants will survive which translates to more blooms on those plants,” she said.
If you don’t get to enjoy the Texas bluebonnets before they go, or if you’re just looking for more flowers to see this spring, don’t worry. Spring has just begun, and Medley tells us there are plenty of other Texas wildflowers you can see at their peak.
“The bluebonnet show may be coming to an end soon, but the wildflower season continues after the bluebonnets have gone to seed! Check out the Texas Wildflower Watch on Instagram for current reports of what's blooming across Texas,” Medley said.
While they’re here, check out these popular spots to enjoy Texas bluebonnets in the Austin area:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
St. Edward’s University
McKinney Falls
Georgetown’s Old Settlers Park
Pace Bend Park
Driving through Texas Hill Country in Marble Falls, Fredericksburg or Wimberley
And here are other wildflowers in bloom that are in season right now, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center:
Texas yellowstar
Giant spiderwort
Indian paintbrush
Blue curls
Antelope-horns
Texas bluebonnets
Winecup
Pink evening primrose
Purple coneflower