Right now is a perfect time to plant in most of the United States. It may be potbound and it is most likely shocked from being indoors, and if kept indoors it may die.

==>>>https://plumtreetrading.blogspot.com/2016/08/planting-potted-stock-trees-shrubs.html

There is a rhododendron and azalea forum here on GW where you could ask. Did you tip it out of the pot to see what the roots actually look like? Was it against a wall at the nursery that might have caused issues with heat or shading? I honestly can't see issues with leaf color in your photos - all the ones that look more brown are flipped over, and for some azaleas, there is a darker fuzz on the reverse of the leaves, but the color is a bit difficult to see.

Logan said, "Right now is a perfect time to plant in most of the United States." It may be for him in the SE US, but in a good portion of the country it is far too early. We still have frozen ground and a good foot of snow predicted in the next week, so I won't be planting shrubs for 6 weeks or so. Where are you generally? Here's a map to look up the zone where you live or you can use the box in the upper left of the page to type in your zip code.

You have an evergreen azalea. Sometimes these are sold as seasonal florist's plants intended to provide flowers for a short time and then be disposed of. Often those may not be winter hardy where they are sold. Others are sold as outdoor plants, and at a reputable nursery they will be hardy where you are. Was yours in a greenhouse or florist or was it outdoors? Did it have a tag that gave the name of the variety? If it was indoors, it will need to be hardened off once the weather is warm enough to plant, so set it out in shade and give it a bit more sun each day to allow it to get used to being outdoors. If it is still too cold where you are for planting you will need to find a spot that is cool but has bright light for it until the ground is warm enough for planting. Azaleas like acid, moist but not wet, well-drained soil.

Hi, thanks for the insights. It was stored outside at the nursery and I bought it yesterday so it's not been sitting inside. It was surrounded by other azaleas but that's it. Im planning on planting it in a large container outside on a covered balcony that gets partial sun but I'm not sure if I should yet. I live in northern Virginia. The tag on the plant said it was hardy to - 10F.

If it was outside at the nursery, it should be fine to plant now.

If you just got it, my question would be why you chose one that was showing signs of stress, with dry, brown or brittle leaves. Personally, I'd return it for one that was in better condition.

If the plant was being displayed and sold outdoors at the nursery, then it is safe to plant now, in a container or in the ground.

i mostly agree that if it was outside.. it should stay outside ...

the only fact we dont have [or i missed] ..... is where they were shipped in from ...

the injury could be lack of proper hardening off.. if shipped from a warmer zone to the nursery ... with subsequent cold damage ... or shipping damage.. etc ...

i too would return it ... and if they dont have better ones .... i would get something else ... or find a place with better stock ...

as noted.. all evergreen plants.. sooner or later.. shed leaves.. its not that big a deal ... the key here ... is what the buds look like ... and i cant tell from the pix... if the buds are firm and the right color.. it should leaf out fine.. from a little cold damage.. if thats what it is ...

BTW .. i am having a hard time seeing pix in a lot of posts..... and im wondering if its me or my computer .... anyone else???

below is planting guide ... if the ground is sodden.. i would NOT plant until it dries a bit.. leave the pot in full shade until the time comes ... and dont keep it too wet ... maybe in the garage overnight if some polar event is forecast ...

ken

https://sites.google.com/site/tnarboretum/Home/planting-a-tree-or-shrub

"BTW .. i am having a hard time seeing pix in a lot of posts..... and im wondering if its me or my computer .... anyone else???"

No problem here, but 1) if you don't see the pic at all, try to refresh the page (press F5 on a Windows computer); 2) if pic is too dark increase brightness of computer monitor and decrease brightness again to read text. (Some forums have the option to display white or yellow text on black background, which is much more eye-friendly).

Thanks all. It's planted outside.

It should do fine, assuming you planted correctly. See my planting guide in my first reply.