Q.potato tree
I have one of these trees and it is approximately 10 years old. This is the first year that I hardly have any leaves on it. She looks terrible and her stalks where the leaves grow are like totally brittle and dead. She has growth and some new leaves (very few) on the very ends of the stalks.
I tried cutting some of these out and nothing happened so now she sits with 1/2 of her thinned and 1/2 looking dead. Please help, I love this tree and this is the first year I have had problems with it. Thank you for your help.

This shrub does need consistently moist soil, but never soggy.
Also if the plant had any winter stress, too cold of temperatures, it could be effecting it's health.
Here is a link to refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/potato-bush/potato-bush-information.htm