Michele, I have about fifteen rhododendrons that are doing quite well. I am in Northeast Mississippi. Most of them are planted in dabbled shade around the edge of the lake. If they are too shaded they don't bloom well. They are slow growers for me. I have had some 12 years and they are about seven feet tall. Some hardy ones for the area are Nova Zembla, Cynthia, Gomer Waterer, Scintillation, Vulcan, and Pink Pearl. If I can be of any further help contact me at larrybrzl@aol.com Thanks Larry