I inherited a standard Rhodie from a beloved Aunt when she died. Have managed to keep it alive for a couple of years, :o and it bloomed beautifully for me this year, but when can it be pruned to keep its shape? It got deadheaded today, (much to my surprise) by my ngoh, but needs a trim methinks. ;D Dottie P
DP I prune my azaleas (similar care as rhodedendrons I think) as soon as the flowers are finished. I also keep feeding them throughout the growing season to ensure good flowers the following year.
I have a couple of large rhodies Doris and if I didn't prune them they would take over. I, like Jess, prune after they have finished flowering. I have chopped great chunks off mine and they still keep coming back each year. I think a good pruning does them good as they seem to flower better each year. A standard sounds lovely, must take a cutting and see if I can train one.