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Lots of people ask about when the rhododendrons bloom, and that depends on species, elevation, and local climate.

The Rosebay, also known as the white rhododendron, is a prominent rhododendron along the Blowing Rock areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The blooms vary from white to very pale pink/purple and typically begin to bloom in mid- to late-June in this area. Best viewing usually continues into mid July. This is later than the Catawba Rhododendron, the bright pink species found in masses at nearby Roan Mountain. Peak bloom for Roan Mountain is usually around mid-June. The darker, sometimes near-fuschia, blooms of the hybrid rhoddies in downtown Blowing Rock and in nearby parks and gardens peak in May.

The Rosebay Rhododendron puts on a pretty show in Blowing Rock. The pale clouds of rhododendron along the local section of the Blue Ridge Parkway will be beckoning you to pull over. “Stop and smell the roses,” right?

 

 

2023 Rosebay Rhododendron Bloom Report

2023 Rosebay Rhododendron Bloom Report

The Rosebay Rhododendron are at peak bloom and probably will be for another few days. The pictures below were taken at Price Lake off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Price Lake always has an impressive show of blooms this time of year. Right now the majority of blooms are open and displaying pale pink or white in color, giving the blossoming bushes a cloudlike quality. Again, unless there is incliment weather, these blooms should be around for the next week or so.

2022 Rosebay Rhododendron Bloom Report

2022 Rosebay Rhododendron Bloom Report

Newest report is always on top! July 18, 2022 The Rosebay Rhododendron peak week has officially passed. Blooms can still be spotted at Price Lake, Broyhill Park, and all along the Blue Ridge Parkway. However, they will be on the decline and very soon gone for the rest...

2021 Rosebay Rhododendron Bloom Report

2021 Rosebay Rhododendron Bloom Report

Most recent report is on top! July 2, 2021: Peak bloom is just around the corner. Many of the Rosebays are now blooming! A few individual shrubs have hit their peak, branches laden with fully-open blooms. However, most plants are still on their way to full bloom. The...

Where to see blooms:

Amphitheater seating at Price ParkThe blooms will be opening up into early July. There are many of these plants all over the Blowing Rock area. Price Park is an excellent location to see large collections of the shrub, and the sheer number of blooms during peak is stunning. Take a hike around the lake on the Lake Trail to get a real immersion into the rhoddie growth, or rent a canoe from the docks and enjoy the blooms from the water. The amphitheater is a nice spot to sit and enjoy, as rhododendron growth surrounds the seating. 

Also in Price Park, the Green Knob Trail offers a walk through a blooming tunnel when you access the trail by the Sims Creek Bridge. More Rosebay Rhododendron shrubs heavily line the Mountains To Sea Trail near Goshen Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway (about 5 miles north from Blowing Rock). Many trails on the Parkway wind through thickets of this plant as well, so you can hike almost anywhere to enjoy some blooms.

Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway is also a great spot, along the Cone carriage trails or by Flat Top Manor. 

Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 285 to milepost 300 for gorgeous displays of the flower during peak bloom. The roadway winds between walls of the shrub in some spots and it’s simply breathtaking to drive alongside the flowers!

In late June, mountain laurel is still showing clumps of white and pink blooms, though most spots of laurel are past peak.  Though rhoddies are of interest to many visitors, there is always something to see, from flame azaleas in May to asters in September. For a full list of wildflower blooms along the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit the Bloom Schedule page on BlueRidgeParkway.org.