Why do you want to defoliate??
What do you think it will make better?
Now that she is starting to enter the flowering phase, she needs every leaf she has to make the energy she needs to grow her flowers.
ALL of the plants energy to grow and thrive is made by/in the leaves.
Just remember.......
Less leaves = less energy being made = less potential growth.
"Budsites" do not need direct exposure to light for flowers to grow.
Flowers are like fruit..........they grow all over the plant, not just on the sunny side.