Hmm, well surprised its only just died if it was suffering from the winter - had it been that, I would have expected it to be very poorly or obviously dead by end of May, really. Drought's a much better contender for its death. Needs fertile, moist but not waterlogged lime free soil, preferably in the lee of a fence or wall for a bit of shelter, and partial shade. Keep well watered till late autumn.

I agree. One at work suffered with some die back this year but it was pretty obvious by April what was damaged and what wasn't so I just cut back accordingly. It's making great new growth now. Yours does sound like dryness at the roots was more likely. These plants come from temperate rain forest in Chile in the wild so like mild conditions with, moist free drained soil with a neatral to low ph (acid).