There are many varieties of rhododendrons, but all require acidic soil, partial shade, and excellent drainage. Some tolerate more sun than others. Some will not bloom if they get too much shade.

In your climate you may want to look into Vireya Rhododendrons. They are from the tropics and must be protected from freezes.

At the other extreme, there are the hardy rhododendrons that tolerate very cold weather. Some hardy rhododendrons do not do well in hot climates.

Rhododendron growers use the same mix as is used with camellias and azaleas. Many do use containers, but they must guard against direct sun on the container and must assure excellent drainage.

The American Rhododendron Society is an international organization with chapters in your area. Their website is at:

http://www.rhododendron.org/membership.htm

The closest chapters to Santa Clara are the Monterey Bay and De Anza chapters. They would love to have you contact them or visit them. The members have a wide variety of interests and would be glad to help you get started growing rhododendrons.

The Monterey Bay Chapter, Tom Kelley president:
They meet on the third Tuesday of the month at the Live Oak Senior Center, 1777 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz at 7:00 pm. They don't seem to have a website.

Their next meeting will be on February 17 at 7:00 PM. There is an article about this meeting in the Mercury News:

http://events.mercurynews.com/santa-cruz-ca/events/show/85785002-california-vireya-rhododendron-gardens

The newspaper lists an email address at:

mcculloughm@earthlink.net

The De Anza Chapter, Michael Ekberg president:
From Sept to May each year they meet on the third Hillview Community Center at 97 Hillview Avenue, Los Altos, CA at 7pm. For more information they have a website at:

http://www.deanza-ars.com/

The website doesn't appear to be up to date. They also have an email address at:

weissman@arsoffice.org

These websites have recommendations of rhododendrons that do well in your area at:

http://www.rhododendron.org/performers5.htm

Look under the listings for DeAnza and Monterey Chapters.

Good Luck

Here is a link that might be useful: How to grow rhododendrons and azaleas.