The ideal exposure for azaleas is the variable shade provided by tall trees moving in the breeze--one minute, the ground beneath is in full sun, and the next minute it is in full shade. You can help achieve this by removing the lower limbs from the existing trees, at least as high up as you can reach with a pole saw.

Azaleas can also adapt to extremes. Many varieties, particularly deciduous azaleas, can handle more sun if they are given enough water. In general, azaleas grown in full sun will have shorter stems, and may have more blooms which will not last as long, and which may fade in a few days. If the leaves show signs of being burned by the sun (round brown spots on the leaf tips and edges) or the blooms fade quickly, move the plant to a little more shade. In full shade, many varieties will grow longer stems as they reach for the light, and they may not produce as many blooms, but the blooms will last longer.

Azalea sun/shade tolerance is affected by your latitude. In the south, fewer azaleas can thrive in full sun than in the north. Similarly, fewer azaleas, and particularly deciduous azaleas, can thrive in full shade in the north than in the south.