Hi Derek. They're almost certainly dead, I'm afraid. The following link should help you to determine what went wrong:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=727

I can tell you exactly what was wrong. The words 'bare rooted' Daphnes absolutely hate root disturbance, so bare rooting them is a death sentence.

That term gave me a shock as well. You didn't kill them, Derek, it was the person who dug them up!

That's wicked

When you said that you bought them, where was that? If it was anywhere else but maybe a boot fair, then I would be inclined to dig them up and ask for my money back.

Thanks everyone. Yes, I was suspicious but I assumed a popular nursery would know what it was doing. I bought them online from Gardens4you. I'll contact them and see what they have to say.

And so the label I had penned
became a tombstone in the end.
- Reginald Arkell

I haven't had much success with Gardens4you.

I have to say that I'm not a great fan of buying anything but bedding plants online. I would much rather see what I'm getting even if it's a little more expensive locally. On a few occasions I have made a purchase it result hasn't been very successful.

Gardens4you is a strange beast. I thought they were a UK nursery, but some plants I ordered from them earlier this year arrived from The Netherlands, and others from the UK, so I guess they're simply a plant broker.

I think they are a Netherlands-based broker too. They have replied very quickly and have refunded me in full. They say they will take the issue further.

So thanks again for your answers - it's encouraging to know it wasn't my fault.

That's a great result Derek - so glad they refunded you, it was the right thing to do.

That's good news, Derek. The plants I received were all excellent, but it's heartening to know that their customer service is excellent too, should I ever need it. :)