Texas Bluebonnet
Profile
Scientific name: Lupinus texensis
Plant family: pea family
Other names: Texas lupine
Sowing time / Planting time: October - November
Flowering period: early to late spring
Location: sunny
Soil quality: well drained chalk, clay, loam, sand
Care
When planted in warm climates without winter freeze, Texas Bluebonnets germinate in late fall and create a low-growing rosette of foliage that will overwinter, sometimes reddening after the first frost. In early spring it will expand to 12-18 inches, sending flower spikes just above the foliage. After flowering, the plant will set seed pods and die back to the ground. Bluebonnet is a terrific choice for low rainfall areas as it benefits from underwatering. Too much water will decrease the gardener’s chances of success. Water when planting and sporadically thereafter, allowing natural fall and spring rains to do the job for you.
Diseases and pests
Bluebonnets are at their most vulnerable as seeds and tiny seedlings. Birds can be an issue with seeds that have been broadcast without sufficient soil to hide them. Pillbugs (also known as roly-polys or sow bugs) are the main insect predator for Bluebonnet seeds and seedlings. Too much water can result in damping-off disease which will kill the seedling.