Rhododendron Bloom Report: June 29, 2018

Hey Folks-

I went to the grove a day early in order to avoid the rain forecast for Thursday 6/28, but not much difference can be seen in a day or two unless one looks quite closely. Indeed, all plants are metabolizing and growing at an amazing rate this time of year. A microscope or even a magnifying glass will show this.

This somewhat swollen flower bud will be one of the first to open this year.

The weather forecast for the next few days calls for hot and wet conditions – just right for plant growth (and mosquitoes, too). Does this mean that the Rhododendrons will bloom sooner? Perhaps, but remember that most plants found in the temperate zones evolved to cope with such adverse temperature and moisture swings during the growing season, so probably not much difference will be apparent. If, however, we eventually (or sooner than that) begin to experience the radical swings that climate change may visit upon us, they will become less predictable than usual which is not very much anyway.

A view of the trail showing new leafy growth and not much in the way of flower buds

As shown in today’s pictures, there are the occasional swollen flower buds as well as mostly tightly closed buds. Also shown is the amazing vegetative growth that is happening this year, partially due to the low number of blooms to be found in the grove.

The bridge is in a sunny area that lets so much light in that the leaves get sunburned-ironically all the light results in more flowers.

Remember that when you visit Rhododendron State Park in Fitzwilliam, NH during summer, be prepared for thick mosquitoes regardless of the days temperature.

These are tight flower buds that will bloom this year, perhaps a bit later than most.
Close up of new leafy growth that will not flower this year

Until next week,
Ted Lenk

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Ted Lenk

Ted Lenk is an NH State Park Volunteer who checks in regularly at Rhododendron State Park.

13 thoughts to “Rhododendron Bloom Report: June 29, 2018”

  1. Ted,

    We were thinking of coming to see blooms on Sunday, July 8th – should we wait another week?

    Jennifer

    1. Hi Jennifer, Apologies for the delay in responding. It’s a bit of a light year as far as blooms go. This is because the buds typically form in the fall, and this past fall was fairly dry, so not as many buds developed. As it stands right now the blooms are past peak but there should be flowers out for the next week or so. Hope this helps!

    1. Thanks for checking in. Our apologies for the delay in an updated report. There have been some staffing changes which has caused a delay in posting them. It’s a bit of a light year as far as blooms go. This is because typically the buds form in the fall, and this past fall was fairly dry so not as many buds developed. As it stands right now the blooms are past peak but they should be flowers out for the next week or so. Hope this helps!

    1. Hi Melissa, It’s a bit of a light year for rhododendron blooms. This is because typically the buds form in the fall, and this past fall was fairly dry so not as many buds developed. As it stands right now the blooms are past peak but they should be flowers out for the next week or so. Hope this helps!

  2. Hello Ted,
    Paul from Enfield here.
    1st. Congratulations on your retirement.
    2nd. Are you still going to be posting weekly bloom reports??

    1. Hi Paul, Appreciate you getting in touch. Due to some staffing changes there has been an issue getting weekly reports out. It’s a bit of a light year as far as blooms go this summer season. This is due to the drier weather we experienced last fall. The buds typically form in the fall, as this fall was fairly dry not as many buds developed. As it stands right now the blooms are past peak but they should be flowers out for the next week or so.

    1. Hi Cynthia, Thanks for checking in. Our apologies for the delay in an updated report. There have been some staffing changes which has caused a delay in posting them. It’s a bit of a light year as far as blooms go. This is because typically the buds form in the fall, and this past fall was fairly dry so not as many buds developed. As it stands right now the blooms are past peak but they should be flowers out for the next week or so.

  3. I thought the report was weekly? Here it is 12 July and the last report was 29 June. Hoping to be able to make it to the park Sat 14 July.

    1. Hi John, There have been some staffing changes which has caused a delay in weekly reports. Great to hear you are planning to visit tomorrow. It’s a bit of a light year as far as blooms go. This is because typically the buds form in the fall, and this past fall was fairly dry so not as many buds developed. As it stands right now the blooms are past peak but they should be flowers out for the next week or so.

      1. It is said “a little bit light” development this year, does it suggest that this year is not good to see the blossoms? We live outside NH, and we are wondering if it is worth driving hours this weekend to see the blossoms.

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