So I have been bit by the bug, bought a negronne cutting on burpee clearance sale today. Any tips on how to root & maintains my (???possibly???) suspect purchase before it gets here next week. In my defense the price dropped to 10 bux and I got 20% discount coupon.

I'd suspect that's a rooted tree. I don't think Burpee would sell cuttings esp this time of yr.

There are plenty of threads to help you with rooting cuttings, use the search function, you will be amazed at how much information is there.

Hi,
-Here at least-  nurseries don't care for selling cuttings.
So I would think too that you'll get a tree ... perhaps, a little tiny one ... but a tree.
Keep us updated on receive !

Probably a small tissue culture plant.  

So this is the tree, a little worse for wear but hopefully soon to be thriving.

Looks like a great purchase. Enjoy.

Its a nice little tree...has green leaves:-)!

Minor update: Tons of new growth since potting, healthy, no signs of disease. 

Looks like it's gonna do just fine. Congrats on finding a good deal.

Hi,
Looks better already !

So I noticed some of the leaves growing out at the base look "different" than the rest of the tree. Is this normal?

It's normal.