The ideal soil is a slightly acidic, well drained, moisture retentive loam. As such soil only exists in theory it has to put up with what it’s given and it is not too fussy. I would say what has done for your plants is a lack of moisture, especially if coupled with drying winds.
It is quite possible that the plant was slightly pot bound when you planted it and, if the roots were not teased out, they would not venture into the surrounding soil. They are then confined to the compost which they were originally growing in, used up all the nutrients, and the dried compost then becomes extremely difficult to re-wet. When you water you are only watering the soil around the plant where roots have not yet ventured.
The one on the left looks dead and as it’s Profusion not Lazarus I do not hold out much hope. I would dig it up, cut back most of the top growth, dunk it in a bowl of water for a few hours and replant it in moist soil enriched with organic matter. The one on the right might be salvaged but get lots of water to the roots right next to the stem. Sprinkle on a bit of fertiliser and, when the soil is distinctly moist, cover it with organic mulch.
They are also very frost-prone and mine all looked absolutely terrible after the late frosts we had a few weeks ago and had to have the damaged leaves and tips removed. The new growth since isn't look great, either. Fussy things to grow well and I'd recommend you take the advice @BenCotto posted, above.
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
I did what you advised plus we've had heavy rain fall and I'm pleased to report it's showing signs of life. The other one is also hanging in there too. Thank you so much for your help.
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It is quite possible that the plant was slightly pot bound when you planted it and, if the roots were not teased out, they would not venture into the surrounding soil. They are then confined to the compost which they were originally growing in, used up all the nutrients, and the dried compost then becomes extremely difficult to re-wet. When you water you are only watering the soil around the plant where roots have not yet ventured.
The one on the left looks dead and as it’s Profusion not Lazarus I do not hold out much hope. I would dig it up, cut back most of the top growth, dunk it in a bowl of water for a few hours and replant it in moist soil enriched with organic matter. The one on the right might be salvaged but get lots of water to the roots right next to the stem. Sprinkle on a bit of fertiliser and, when the soil is distinctly moist, cover it with organic mulch.
I did what you advised plus we've had heavy rain fall and I'm pleased to report it's showing signs of life. The other one is also hanging in there too.
Thank you so much for your help.