I bought some rather large (8gallon-12 feet) Robert Young plants last Sept.

I could not decide where to plant them and so decided to mulch around the pots and let them winter over potted. Unfortunately, I negelected to water them Dec-Mar, when i noticed their leaves curled and grey. I have been told that more than likely they will drop their old leaves and be all right. I was told to water them well. I have been watering them but there is no change. Is there any way to tell if they are alive and viable? Is it too early for them to put out new leaves? Should I plant them out? HELP!!!