I cant speak for experience with all rhododendrons but from my experience Azaleas back bud well and don't tend to have too much of a apical dominance as most tree/shrub species. Most Rhodies do best in a location where they will receive ample light early in the day but are then shaded when the sun gets the hottest from mid to late afternoon.

The rhody is getting what looks like small white flowers.
I wonder if my rhody is turning into a mountain laurel????(:>))