Dead Rhododendron Buds

Question

I saw some dead looking Rhododendron buds that I thought at the time were seed pods. I picked a few off, thinking if I opened them there would be seeds. I did manage to open one an pulled out what looked like seeds, so I planted them. Then I put the rest of the buds in because I didn’t know which way I should do it. Now I have found out that they were more than likely dead buds. What were the seed looking things inside? Were they seeds?

Answer 1

I tried to post a picture :(