Azaleas and rhododendrons thrive in acidic soil. Azaleas and rhododendrons thrive in the acidic soil that is common under pine trees. Both plants are classified under the genus Rhododendron; the main difference is the smaller, funnel-shaped flowers on the azalea.ake soil samples from the area under the trees where you want to plant the azaleas or rhododendrons. Mix the samples in a bucket and test with a soil pH test kit.