A leaf bud will always only be a leaf bud :-) Flower buds are set in mid to late summer........long after the current leaf buds have extended and developed into full leaves. All disbudding or pinching out the leaf buds will do is limit the growth for the current season but it won't promote any heavier flowering next spring. Don't prune, fertilize lightly, if at all, and make sure the plant is properly hydrated in late summer when the flower buds are being set.

Thanks for your prompt answer. Can I ask another? If I want my rhododendron to stay approximately the same shape and size, and if all the current leaf buds will only be leaf buds, how can I ever get it full of flowers? Sounds like I have to let it get bigger. I just don't want it to be "leggy".

You can control the size and shape of most rhododendrons - to a degree - by pinching and pruning. That, however, is not the same as avoiding legginess. Rhododendrons will generally set more flower buds and grow in an un-leggy manner if they receive a good deal of direct sun. This is always a balancing act. Direct sun - preferably in the morning - with enough shade in the hottest parts of the day to avoid leaf scorch and other problems. Tolerance of direct sun, naturally compact growth and the tendency to set lots of flower buds are also qualities that vary considerably from particular variety to particular variety of rhododendron.

Wow! Are you a professional? That's great info and summarizes everything I've heard and should know. I just get frustrated when I don't see results. Thanks very much for the info!

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