Soil:  Fertile, well-drained organic soil. The soil must be acid with a pH around 5.5 to 6.2. Alkaline soil turns their leaves yellow between the veins, a condition called chlorosis. Due to lack of chlorophyll, the leaves cannot photosynthesize to make food and the plants slowly starve. If you have alkaline soil but still want azaleas, either grow them in pots or plant them in raised beds to which you've added garden sulfur to make the soil acid.
Light: Filtered to partial sun -- Part sun to dappled shade is ideal and eliminates flower scorch in full summer sun.
Water: Azaleas are shallow rooted, and will need regular watering in times of extreme heat.  Adding a 2-inch layer of mulch beneath them will help keep the soil moist and cool.
Spacing: 3- 4 feet apart
Fertilizing: Apply an acid-forming, azalea fertilizer right after the azaleas finish blooming. To maintain great bloom, you can fertilize on June 1st and July 1st as well.
Winterizing: Planting in a protected area from harsh winter winds will help prevent winter damage. Applying Wilt-Pruf will significantly reduce winter desiccation.  Insulating the base of the plant with a two or three inch layer of hardwood mulch will also reduce possible winter damage.
Maintenance & Pruning: Prune only in spring after first bloom, and just to shape plant, and remove any dead growth.