Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: RSS
Rhododendron Bloom Report
It is time for the Rhododendron Bloom Report: looks like a great bloom time on Roan Mountain !
“Go early. Go often!”
This picture is from June 4. The Catawba Rhododendron blooms have really come on this week.
Several Roan Mountain botanical experts were consulted. The average of all the estimates put the peak bloom to be Wednesday, June 17, at 2:15 (but I can’t remember if it is a.m. or p.m.).
Whatever, by all means try to get up there within the next week to enjoy them.
The Flame Azalea should be included in the Rhododendron Bloom Report because they are a kind of rhododendron; rhododendron calendulaceum. They sometimes bloom along with the Catawba Rhododendron or a little after the rhododendrons have dropped their blooms.
One theory proposed for this is that the rhododendron’s bloom time is more weather dependent. Warmer weather will speed up the rhododendron bloom time. Whereas the azalea’s bloom is more triggered by the daylight to dark cycle. This is a conversation starter while you are hiking through the rhododendrons.
Rhododendron Festival
Come early and stay through the Rhododendron Festival. The Festival is June 20 and 21, Saturday and Sunday in the Roan Mountain State Park.
This is a scholarship fundraiser sponsored by the Roan Mountain Citizen’s Club. There are a great assortment of crafts and good food and authentic entertainment.
Join us for a great week on Roan Mountain.
LINKS:
Roan Mountain-Citizens-Club-2015-Rhododendron-Festival-Flyer
Roan Mountain State Park – Program Schedule – June 15 – 21
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy – June Jamboree – June 20