Hi, Laura! I have the same problem...my rhodies have never bloomed, either, since the day I planted them. I have rather poor soil and I suspect that's the trouble, but it will be interesting to see if anyone on this site has some ideas, eh?

I know that Rhodys like an acid soil, and clay leans toward alkaline. I'd suggest you dig up the plant, dig a larger hole, and replace the soil with a few bags of a rich mixture. e.g. compost, potting mix, topsoil... The hole doesn't need to be deep, but wider than the width of the bush.
For a $100 plant you need a $100 hole (that's exagerating on the price a bit...but I read once that if you want your plant to look like a $100 plant, then give it the stuff it needs to get there).

Since Rhodys like acid soil I use Miracid soil acidifier, apple juice, and left over tea.

Mine got confused and bloomed in the fall for a couple years. Really irked me. Delete Comment

I've seen wild rhododendrons in the woods and mountains of VA and NC so shade is not a problem. My guess is the clay.

I have 2 groups of 2 Rhod. They are flourishing nicely with annual blooming. They are in north facing position in well drained soil, 1/2 sun, 1/2 shade. I have done nothing special for them, But am mostly in area of pines, which tend to have higher acidic levels in soil. Georgeanne is correct according to my plants.

Yeah Marie, my NC book says 'The secret to success is to recreate the plant's native habitat...partial shade where there is well-drained , moist, acidic soil. An east- or north-facing exposure ....planting is ideal. Clay soil just doesn't breathe very well but I think lawn grass likes it......'they aren't heavy feeders and extract most of their nutrients from natural mulches such as shredded leaves, compost, or pine needles spread 2 inches thick.' End of lecture.

I have a rhododendrum that I planted in a shady area with clay soile 2 years ago and it hasn't blossomes since I planted it there. Do I need to plant it in different soil or is the shade my problem? I have another one still in the pot and I am afraid to plant it. What should I do?

They do not like the clay soil. Lighter soil is better. They also like acidic soils. They enjoy the shade. Here in MI they are understory plants. Rich acidic soils, Protect and Shady. Our cold winds some times winter kill the flower buds.