Elevation affects bloom time, with cooler temperatures delaying bloom season by several weeks at higher elevations. Showy Blooms - Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service) Fire Pink (Silene virginica) This 6-20 inch plant has bright red flowers up to 1-1/2 inches wide. April-June. Pinxter Flower (Rhododendron nudiflorum) A medium shrub with pink honeysuckle-like flowers, common at lower elevations. April-May. Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus) 3-5 feet tall with flower plumes 3-5 inches wide and 6-10 inches long. May-June. Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) about 2 feet tall, nodding red and yellow flower. May-July.