During the summer months I get a lot of calls from folks that are having trouble with their azaleas. There is nothing wrong with azaleas, but eventually the law of averages will catch up with any popular plant. If we plant enough of any plant, eventually we will get to see almost all of that plants shortcomings. In other words, we already know what most of the azalea's shortcomings are. Now, all we have to do is try to learn how minimize these shortcomings.
Lets start wit the basics.
Azaleas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. With the exception of Ruthofords, azaleas will not tolerate full sun. Planting azaleas in full sun is kind of like leaving coffee and donuts on the roof of your car, you probably won't get much enjoyment out of them and your neighbors will probably get a good laugh at your expense. Next to sun, soil drainage is probably the most important cultural requirement that azaleas have. Try to plant azaleas above grade on mounds or hills.