It is quite normal for newly planted rhododendrons to bloom sparsely for the first year or two. They are concentrating on root development and vegetative growth rather than flowers which is actually a good thing. All rhododendrons do, however, set more flower buds if they receive at least some sun. I also wonder how much root competition they are going to receive from large arbor vitaes. Be cautious with fertilizer as well. Too much nitrogen can reduce bloom.

Spring conditions in the North East were the most difficult I've experienced in 30+ years of gardening. The late hard freezes damaged many plants and prevented many rhododendrons from blooming. Even though flower buds look tight and undeveloped, once they begin to invisibly swell, they are very vulnerable to low temperatures. Some rhododendron varieties seemed to take it in stride, others bloomed only partially and some experienced 100% bud kill.

Thanks, it's good to know that this is normal for a new plant. When I dug up the ground, I didn't find too many roots in the area that I planted in, so I hope the competition isn't too bad. But I do notice that there is very little direct sunlight, since the arbor vitaes tower over both the east and west sides of the rhodo. A little dappled sunlight is all I have seen, and not much of that either. The lawn directly in front of the rhodo, does appear to do well and get adequate sunlight. There is a large collection of rhododendrons in a local park that is very impressive. Most of the plants appear to be in almost full shade and they all do very well, There are a few sunny areas, but that is the exception. This is why I was under the impression that rhodos were shade lovers. I hope I have better flowering in the future. The only fertilizer I have used is Holly Tone, so I hope the nutrients are in the correct proportion. Maybe I will just lay off the fertilizer all together for now.

"Spring conditions in the North East were the most difficult I've experienced in 30+ years of gardening."

Interesting the difference a few hundred miles makes. Yes, we did have a very light late freeze, which damaged the flowers of my Magnolia 'Phelan Bright'. Not enough to seriously damage any new growth of anything important. Things like Clerodendrum trichotomum recovered just fine. But overall the cool, long spring was great for my plants. Rhododendrons bloomed for the longest period ever. Also their new growth was exceptionally large and vigorous. It looks like I fertilized everything but I did not. Although last week's hot spell made it seem like it was abruptly ending, we are supposed to have nice temps this week. (high 70s/upper 50s at night)