They look dry. Can you explain how you watered them? And what kind of soil they are planted in?

I watered them with a standard hose. I stopped watering as I was getting nervous that they were being overwatered with the cold temps moving in.

A new layer of top soil galvanized was brought in before planting. Below that, it’s just your standard sandy soil.

Watering "with a standard hose" doesn't tell us much :-) How long for each plant? Did you check to see if the water penetrated down the full depth of the rootball?

Did you incorporate the new topsoil into the existing soil? Two different textural layers of soil will impede proper water flow.

I’d say I watered twice a week, for 3 or 4 weeks, but watered not so much at the rootball and more like a sprinkler motion at the mid/high point of each plant. I’d also say they received roughly 1.5” of water per week during those 3 or 4 weeks but haven’t been watered regularly for 3 weeks now.

The two soils were indeed mixed and I used espoma biotin when planting! What are your thoughts? Can they be saved and do you think it’s a lack of weekly watering?

Appreciate any advice!! :)

I don't understand the idea between watering with a sprinkler motion at mid high point. When I plant new plants, they each get watered directly either by nozzle and aimed at the ground around the plant that usually has a collar of soil around it to keep the water near the base, and I fill that up a few times and let it sink in. OR I use a watering can and give each plant two 1.5 gallons of water from the watering can. Then I check the soil any time it looks like it is drying out or twice a week by sticking my finger in the soil around it up to the first knuckle.

I don't see why your shrubs shouldn't respond to a good watering, especially since your method of watering leaves some doubt as to whether they were watered adequately the first time. Then after they get a thorough watering - don't water again until you check whether the soil is dry. Check twice a week as I suggested.

GardenGal should also have very good advice on this subject.

And unfortunately, I hate to bring this up after you've gone to all that work, but ...are those shrubs next to the house, too close? Anyone have an opinion?