I would just be patient at this time of year. Part of the problem may have been that they were fertilized so late in the year, never a good practice in the South. Are Ligustrum sinense reliably evergreen in your location, as a rule?

Thank you for the reply. They look so puny, poor things. The stalk and branches still having green is helping me stay patient though.

They have not yet been fertilized since being placed in the ground. The 3 gallon pots they came in looked like it might have had fertilizer in it. They have only had Miracle Grow general plant food since transplant.

Yes, in my area, they stay mostly evergreen w some slight color difference and leaves lost in the winter. My neighbor has some so I have been comparing them closely all along. Hers lost some of their fullness in Feb but have bounced back and are looking sharp.

Tammy, shrubs should not be fertilized at all upon planting, especially in the fall and especially with a fast acting product like the one you mentioned. This may have led to the defoliation and spindly appearance of your new, young plants. They may not have had the opportunity to harden off in advance of the cold winter temperatures.

I strongly suspect that IF the plants were healthy in the first place, were planted properly according to modern best practices, are in a well-drained location with adequate light.....that your patience will be rewarded.