Michigan Gardening: Brown Azalias..Are they dead?, 0 by NOTHUMB

NOTHUMB wrote:
Hello,all. Happy Spring! I'm new to gardening, and am thrilled to see spring arrive and get my hands dirty. I have a question and hope someone can help. I have three azalias I planted last spring and they flourished. Now after the winter thaw, the leaves are brown in color. There a few branches that have healthy looking leaves and even a green bud, but almost all are brown with brown buds. Is this normal? They appear to be dead. I tested the soil and the ph was slightly acidic. Which I am told they like. I purchased them from Home Depot, and they are covered under a one year guarantee until April 27th. I would like to replace them by then if they didn't survive the winter. They are 'Johanna' azalia's which are hardy for zone 5. Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks...