Dahlias are half hardy, so keep them protected from frost. Pot tubers individually between February and April and grow them on in a greenhouse or bright indoor position. Alternatively, start them outside in May, once the risk of frost has passed.
'Morning Sun'
Apricot yellow petals and a delicate pink collar give Dahlia 'Morning Sun' the warmth of an early summer morning. Its broad outer petals form a cheerful ring of sunshine yellow, while a second layer of smaller, softly curled petals in peachy apricot surrounds the golden centre. This charming two-tiered arrangement is what makes collarette dahlias so distinctive, and Dahlia 'Morning Sun' wears it beautifully. Measuring around 13cm across, the flowers are remarkably generous for a collarette variety, yet their open shape keeps them looking light and graceful. Bees and butterflies appreciate those accessible centres, too. Carried on tall, slender stems above fresh green foliage, the flowers create a wonderfully airy display, bringing both height and a little sunshine to the late summer garden.
Plant Dahlia 'Morning Sun' among purple salvias, blue agastache and ornamental grasses, where its golden flowers look particularly fresh against cooler shades. Growing to around 120–140cm, it makes a lovely addition to the middle or back of a border, with enough height to rise gracefully above neighbouring perennials. Dahlia 'Morning Sun' enjoys a sunny, sheltered position in fertile, well-drained soil, with support for its taller stems. Water during dry spells and remove faded flowers regularly to encourage new blooms until the first autumn frosts. Start tubers under cover in spring or plant outside once frost has passed, lifting them for frost-free winter storage in colder UK gardens. With Dahlia 'Morning Sun', even the cloudiest summer afternoon feels a little brighter.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
For planting out later, use a snug-fitting 15–20cm pot filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. For a patio display, plant directly into a container at least 30cm wide and keep it somewhere bright and frost free until it can move outdoors.
Position the old stem facing upwards, with the tubers covered and the stem stump level with the compost. Tubers naturally vary in size and shape and may arrive without visible buds. Bent necks are usually fine if they remain firmly attached, so do not remove them.
Water after planting, then allow the compost to become almost dry before watering again while the tuber remains dormant. Once shoots and leaves are growing strongly, water more regularly, always allowing excess water to drain away.
Plant out after the last frost, once the plant is around 20–30cm tall and its roots hold the compost together. Space dahlias approximately 30–50cm apart in borders, allowing less room for compact varieties. Water thoroughly after planting.
Water regularly during active growth and deadhead or cut flowers often. Dahlias usually bloom from July or August until the first frost, although later-planted tubers may start in late August or September. In autumn, lift, clean and dry the tubers, then store them somewhere cool, dry, airy and frost free.
- Botanical name
- Dahlia 'Morning Sun'
- Flower colour
- Peach, yellow, pink
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 5 tubers per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower Gardens
Wildlife gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.