i should post some pics. maybe i will do that tomorrow.

Pictures would be a big help :) Or at least, a description of what 'not so hot' might mean...

Garden stock or greenhouse plants (florists type)...and did you water thoroughly first, then rough up that rootball before planting, keep moist the following days?

i might have messed up the keeping moist bit. i roughed up the rootball, but then didn't really water the first 24-48 hours or so... been watering since then, though. :/

can i do anything to rectify the situation?

If the root ball dried out, you may have to dig them up and soak the root ball to get it wet. Once the root ball dries out, it is very difficult to get it to take water. Just soak until it gets heavy.

All this talk about watering shouldn't let us forget that azaleas also need good drainage, not standing water.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to care for rhododendrons and azaleas.