You planted it for the blooms no? Heck no don't pinch it back just enjoy it. It can handle it. Mine is full of blooms right now. Sounds like you are doing something right.

It is my understanding that excessive blooming only *really* taxes the plant when they are first tranplanted. While new transplants are trying to establish a root system and pump out flowers at the same time, that is when root establishment might be compromised. It sounds like yours has been in the ground since last year so it shoudl be fairly well established. Enjoy those gorgeous flowers!

We just moved in to a new house in the late fall and I planted 20+ Es and FE&E this spring. They are flowering like mad! (Probably more on the ES than the FE&E, but time will tell.) I thought about pinching back some of the flowers, but they are just too heavenly. I'm hoping that the "water infrequently but deeply" mantra will help get the roots nice and happy despite all the energy the plants are putting in to the blooms. :)

melaroma, relax and enjoy! It is going to look great!!! Listen, I would never, ever complain that I have too many buds on my ES... LOL