In general rhododendrons with large leaves and pale blooms like more shade than those with small leaves and darker flower tones. Christmas Cheer is an early bloomer that flowers in almost total shade while the dark leaved PJM rhodie can take full sun in a climate with cool summers. Morning sun for half the day such as against the East side of a house or fence ideal for most rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti