Rhododendrons and azaleas

Our soil is very alkaline, rich in lime, and so we ought not to be able to grow rhododendrons or azaleas. However, when in Scotland a few years ago I uprooted a seedling of one of the ones that grow wild there, where they are considered a noxious weed. I started it off in a pot with acid compost, but finally decided to plant it out in a shady corner of the garden, where it has done very well indeed, much to my surprise. The more interesting varieties all have to be nurtured on rain water and grown in tubs.