I'm not new to dahlias, but new to starting them from tubers for this year. I have several in an area that gets morning and early afternoon sun, that's it, and are planted with one hydrangea and a couple of patches of gladiolis. In this particular area I have mulched with black bark, hubby thought it would be a different look and wanted try it. But I'm now wondering if this is what's wrong with my plants.

I have about 6 planted there, 2 Arabian nights, 2 Christmas, and not sure what the other two are, and all but one has fried from the GROUND UP. The one that hasn't is weak and spindly.

I have several others in an area directly across from these and they're going like gangbusters!! One of these is almost 7 feet tall with beautiful blooms! The difference is no bark mulch. Well, no mulch at all. And they're planted with the same combination of plants as the others.

, but they get just a little more sun in the late afternoon.

Any suggestions? Should I dig up the bark?

Thanks,

Ladybugs mom