Fuchsia on its last legs - what have I done wrong?

COVIDgotmegardening

I purchased and planted 2 Fuchsias’ at the end of June. One is in good health and flowering away. This one is on the other side of the path. About 2 weeks ago I noticed a change and kept an eye on it daily, giving it a little extra water. We went away last week for a week and left the watering instructions to #1 Son. We can back and now it has deteriorated to this. The other Fuchsia and all the garden is fine, bar my Petunia which has been wind beaten. Anybody know what’s wrong with it and if I’ve done something wrong. Yesterday the leaves were on the plant but the overnight winds have relocated them to the ground.

COVIDgotmegardening

Fairygirl

In grass, and right up against a post, isn't really ideal for any plant.
If it's sunny there as well, that's a triple whammy 

COVIDgotmegardening

It’s bright today but our son said last week there was plenty of rain most days.

sarinka

The dog is gorgeous

Fairygirl

Is it one of the hardy ones - it looks woodier than the annual type? Most of them prefer a shadier site, but are ok if the soil conditions are decent.
If it was dry on planting, or root bound, it may never have got into the surrounding soil either. The grass is competition too - for water and nutrients, especially when a plant is newly in and trying to establish.
Rainwater is rarely enough, especially when it has to penetrate a foliage canopy. All plants need good, deep watering after planting, even if they have good soil conditions where they are planted. That encourages roots to get down further, so that they can access moisture when needed. Shallow or light watering does the opposite, keeping roots nearer the surface, and they can then dry out during drier spells.

If the post is concreted in, it's not great for roots. The nearby path could also be a problem if there's a concrete footing. 

Lyn

Has the dog pee’d on it? 

Fran IOM

That was my thought! If the dog is a male it could be his favourite post to pee on.

COVIDgotmegardening

Nope he hasn’t, he’s got his favourite spot and this isn’t it. He’s Finlay a Fox red Lab aged 5. Normally welded to our 13 year old Westie. I’ve made a irrigation tube out of an old shower curtain rail and put it in, then given it a good watering (fingers crossed).

JennyJ

A bit of a long shot, but has the grass been cut with a strimmer? If so, the bark could have been damaged, stopping the plant from taking up enough water.

Lyn

I would  just remove all the dead leaves so exposing the bare earth, cut the whole plant down by half and see what happens. 
If you're sure neither of the dogs haven’t been there I couldn’t say anymore. I’ve got fuchsia growing up trellis so I do t think it’s because it close to the post.