Roan Mountain In Tennessee Will Completely Transform When The Rhododendrons Bloom This Summer
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Meghan Kraft
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The Rhododendron flower is known for creating one of the most impressive displays of natural wonder in Tennessee come the summertime. If you’ve ever been to Roan Mountain in June, then you just might know what we’re talking about. Take a look below, and learn all about the magical rhododendron and how it makes the hills and mountains of Tennessee bloom with purple buds every year. Have you seen this magical show of natural beauty before? Let us know below!
The rhododendron bloom in Roan Mountain State Park is one of the most hotly anticipated natural events of the year. Although rhododendron plants are fairly common throughout the south, the national park is home to some of the most exotic wildflower varieties that aren't found elsewhere in the state.
Of course, the sheer number of summertime blooms is also magical. The colors overwhelm the normally misty peaks and crags of the mountains, turning the lush landscape into a rainbow of color.
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The Catawba rhododendron is native to the eastern edge of the United States, and they tend to have bright pink and purple flowers. They're known as "high mountain" blooms since they are found above 3,500 feet of elevation. The higher you go in the mountains, the later the bloom season.
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Rosebaby rhododendrons are also popular, and they tend to boast white flowers, and the flame azaleas are a member of the rhododendron family that burst open in orange, yellow, peach and red blooms.
The mountains tend to light up with flowers from early May through the end of June, but the most famous Catawba rhododendron will flower in late June and into early July.
Eastern Tennessee is known for its wildflower diversity, with over 1,500 flowering species found through the region. Although different from Roan Mountain State Park, folks refer to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as the "Wildflower National Park."
Will you be visiting this year? Roan Mountain State Park is a stunning spot for a quick trip or a long, luxurious day spent amongst the blooms. You can also plan a wildflower-centric hiking trip along Cove Mountain Trail, the Chimney Tops Trail, Brushy Mountain Trail or the Andrews Bald for views on-foot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you'd rather drive? Head down the Blue Ridge Parkway or make your way to Roan Mountain for the garden full of Catawba rhododendron plants.
You can find out more information about the Roan Mountain rhododendron bloom right here.
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Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USA