The ARS offers this: " Deciduous azaleas are very tricky to propagate from cuttings. Take cuttings of deciduous azaleas when the new growth is soft and pliant. This is often coincident with time of bloom in early June. The ability to root decreases rapidly as new growth matures. Trim cuttings below a node (overall length of cuttings 3 to 5 inches) and dip in a rooting hormone containing fungicide. Insert in a medium of 60% milled sphagnum peat moss and 40% horticultural perlite. Usually bottom warmth of 75°F is used to encourage root growth. In late August, transplant cuttings that are rooted and grown on in the greenhouse with supplementary light (14-hours a day) to prevent dormancy and induce new growth. In the following fall, transfer to a cool, frost-free (35°F to 41°F) environment to induce dormancy. As new growth develops in the spring, transfer plants to a shaded environment.

Layering: This is the easiest form of propagation for the home gardener. A lower branch is held down on soil (not mulch) with a stone. A slit is cut in an area in contact with the soil and the cut is treated with a rooting hormone. Then the cut area will sprout roots. When the roots are developed enough to support the end of the branch, usually in 2 years, the rooted-branch is cut from the parent plant and transplanted.

Thank you so much gardengal.