Roan Mountain State Park June 23, 2007 Of the 2 large-flowered Rhododendrons in Tennessee, this one is the most showy. These shrubs prefer the higher elevations above 5000', so it takes a significant hike or drive to the top of a mountain to enjoy them. Roan Mountain is famous for its fabulous Rhododendron Gardens that bloom in mid to late June. The day we were there they were slightly past their peak. The Rosebay Rhododendrons (Rhododendron maximum), strangely enough (with a name like that they should be pink!), have white or very pale pink flowers and bloom in the lower elevations of the Appalachian, Blue Ridge, and Cumberland Mountains.
Rhododendrons are custom-made to accomodate large bees. The top petal has spots, called a "nectar guide" that shows the bees where to find the nectar. As they crawl over the flowers they get pollen on their bodies from the anthers. When they fly to the next flower they transfer the pollen to its pistil, pollinating the flower.
trees as we drove up the mountain. The trees produce a heavy crop of berries every 4 years, so we saw them at a good time.
