ElectricLandlady wrote:

Ann, thank you for actually reading my post before commenting (unlike
others who maybe have a habit to talk without listening).
Fortunately for price, but unfortunately for follow-up/advice, I
bought them at Broadwells in Angier. I'm hoping an expert gardener in
the group could help....
You asked for help and now you're giving attitude to those who have
offered it? It doesn't take an "expert gardener" to answer your post.
As others have said, get them in the ground. You didn't say if you've
already done this or not. If there are some branches that you know are
dead, prune them now. If you think they are not dead, leave them for a
few months. If they don't send out leaves within a month or two, they
are dead.