Rough time of year for this, if the branches are soft they need to be cut back to a firm place. I would try and resurrect it now instead of letting go dormant for the winter. Bring it inside and put a grow light on it for a few hours each day. Water it well once and don't water again until leaves begin to form... Good luck

Also, be sure and sterilize your shears with rubbing alcohol in between cuts or the rot will spread. You have to cut back to clean, white wood and you may want to seal the cuts with something - wood glue or silicone caulk to keep moisture out. good luck, let us know how it goes.

First thing I would do is fire your house sitter.

It should survive if you can cut it back to white wood and the roots didnt turn into dust. I agree you should make sure its established before winter sets in if time permits in your growing season. I'm not familiar with Zone 7a but that would seem to be equivilent to NC, TN, AR, OK, etc. You may need to wish for an Indian Summer.

In my climate I would give it a drink, perhaps some superthrive and then keep it in partial sunlight for a week then full sun until weather forces it inside. Good luck.

No it, was my fault, I had forgotten to bring it into the room where I put all the other plants. :>( So sad to see the pile of leaves all on the floor.

I have done all you have suggested, will pick up Superthrive. All though it was never a bloomer, after 10 years, it had become an attractive plant. Temps in the 80's today and tomorrow, so I will put it outside.

Many thanks, and I will keep you posted for signs of life.

Sandy