Identification

• The flower of the rhododendron has 10 stamens surrounded by delicate flower petals. The flowers appear in large clusters of trumpet-shaped blossoms. The inflorescences average 8 inches in diameter, according to the Ohio State University.
  
  

Bloom Time

• The rhododendron begins to bloom in May unless it has been a mild winter, which may make the shrub produce flowers in April. Some varieties produce late blossoms in June. The rhododendron does not begin producing flowers until it reaches the age of 2 to 10 years.
  
  

Light Requirements

• Plant the rhododendron in full shade or dappled sunlight. The flower colors often fade if the rhododendron is planted in full sunlight.
  
  

Pruning

• The rhododendron will suffer no ill effects if the flower heads are lightly pruned for bouquets. Prune away the dead blossoms of the rhododendron by clipping them. If a rhododendron becomes leggy, it can be pruned successfully to maintain its appearance and size but it could stop producing blossoms for a few years, according to the American Rhododendron Society.
  
  

Warning

• All parts of the flowers and foliage of the rhododendron are highly toxic and can prove fatal if ingested, according to the North Carolina State University. Care should be taken when planting the shrub around areas where livestock graze.