1. the leaves should have fallen off in fall ... since they didint it indicates.. to me.. winter came on hard and fast.. so that they didnt have time to fall off ... they soon will.. NBD ...

it may also indicate that you fertilized it ... and it did not properly harden off to fall ... no more fert.. ever.. if this is the case ...

2. good ..

3. NEVER tear off any more tips ... crikey man .. lol ... there is a scratch test.. but do not do it.. you already tested ...

in my MI ... we are still weeks away from bud burst.. me thinks you are jumping the gun a bit ...

any chance you still have the tag.. since 'compact JM' .... really says nothing ....

patience ... is the only trick to spring.. in the cold white north.. and thank God its not white any more ... lol ... but its still cold at night for many of us.. understand.. that the triggering of active growth.. is related to SOIL temps thru the whole root zone ... and you might be surprised.. how just a few inches down.. the soil is still really cold .. well.. it is in MI anyway ... warm spring rains.. usually change that .... getting warmth down into the soil ...

ken

As Ken says, NBD. Sudden cold in fall can often cause JM's to retain old foliage through the winter and into early spring. It will fall off on its own as the new buds swell and push leaves. The reddish brown color of the stems is an excellent sign - if they were dull and gray you'd have something to worry about!