When and where to find Rhododendrons

Roan Mountain has the best that I know of.

Smokey Mtn Park, Blue Ridge Park way, between Franklin and Brevard, NC.

Roan Mountain, TN has a Rhododendron Festival every year. They are usually magnificent during that time.

Clicky for festival info

Along the Blue Ridge you'll find all the things you mention. We always enjoyed it most in mid spring around the end of May or so.

If you are ever in Massachusetts, Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich, MA, has phenomenal rhododendron gardens.

Blue Ridge Parkway and SKYLINE DRIVE...

The Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurel thrive best in the mountain areas around here.

The rhodis are pretty much finished here. They are spectacular in bloom but don't last long.

Roan Mountain has the most beautiful ones in the world.

You can drive to the natural gardens, and if you enjoy hiking hike up to the "balds" and you will see where the words: "From purple mountain majesties" come from

Normally the second week in June, but varies, so check with the national forest service for the prime dates.

Jack L

Hard to believe, but the left coast has some beautiful displays as well. Wash state has a good wet climate for rody's and azelea's Don't know the exact time of year, but they grow wild nearly as abundantly as the hills around Tenn, and Virginia. Just an alternate thought.