By Littlefeat
New Jersey,
United States 
Azaleas in zone 7a. pine barons NJ.
I had someone plant my 4 Delaware Valley White azaleas last spring. April 2015. Used peat and compost to amend my sandyish acidic soil. So far so good. They were planted under large pine trees - long needles. They bloomed that year and lit up the area nicely. I was full of hope for this year. We had a cold winter and the azaleas lost most of their leaves. One that received the most sun did well, had retained the most leaves and has some white blooms but hardly any leaves. My plan to nurse them over the winter is:
1. to move those 3 that are in the most shade to an area that gets a little more sun.
2. protect from cold winds this winter with burlap and,
3. feed with blood meal now, May 2016 to help leafing.
Any suggestions from friends that have had the same problem are welcome. Thank you.
12 May, 2016
Typical azaleas need dappled sun or bright shade. Under a tree sounds ideal. White azaleas are especially prone to sun scorch.
Your problem is the New Jersey Pine Barrens. It's just not a suitable place for azaleas & rhododendrons. Azaleas need rich, moist, and acidic soil. The ground there cannot hold enough water or nutrients to sustain azaleas. You can stand there for days with the garden hose, it won't work. All the water & nutrients will run right through the sandy, gravely, and sloping topography. You can try growing minis in pots but even that's a pain in the tucus; hence its name "barrens." Not a lot grows there.
I would suggest growing plants suited to your area. Not a lot is known about The New Jersey Pine Barrens but it was named by the settlers with good reason. You would have better luck with Rhododendron Viscosum or mountain laurel.
12 May, 2016