Hot summer sun and dry winds will burn their leaves. An eastern exposure is probably the best, with cool light in the morning, and protection from heat in the afternoon. However, they will not bloom as prolifically if planted in complete shade. Fertilize every year in the early spring with an acidic fertilizer, Goodspeed says. This actually does little to improve the acidity of the soil, but every little bit helps.
Some nurseries even sell special rhododendron and azalea fertilizer.
The flowers are produced in the late spring or early summer, he explains. After blooming, pull off the spent blossoms. This encourages vegetative growth instead of allowing the plant to put energy into seed production. When pulling off the spent blossoms, be careful not to damage the new growth that grows right below the flowers. These plants, grown in a greenhouse for two years and forced to flower, are beautiful when in bloom, but usually make lousy landscape or houseplants.