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Name: mulberry, black mulberry, white mulberry, Morus spp. (Morus rubra, Morus macroura, Morus nigra, Morus alba).
Height: 8-15m; dwarf forms to 3m.
Width: 3-10m.
Plant type: deciduous tree.
Climate: subtropical, temperate, cool and cold climates.
Soil: well-drained and enriched with plenty of organic matter.
Position: full sun.
Foliage: broad, lime-green, whole or lobed leaves with lightly toothed margins.
Flowering and fruiting: an inflorescence of tiny white or red flowers arranged along a short spike (‘catkin’). Fruit are small berries that, in the common red/black varieties, start white to pale-green, age red and eventually mature to dark red, purple or black. Morus macroura ‘Shahtoot’ have immature green fruit that mature to white or red.
Feeding: apply fertiliser in early spring.
Watering: water regularly, especially in hot, dry conditions.
Mulberry is a fast-growing, deciduous tree with small red-purple-black berries from late spring through summer. It grows into a large tree with a gnarly trunk and broad, spreading canopy. Best suited to large gardens but can be kept more compact with regular pruning. Alternatively, look for dwarf forms. The lime-green leaves are an attractive feature and often used to feed silkworms. The sweet-to-tart berries are a delicious snack straight off the tree.
The weeping mulberry (M. alba ‘Pendula’) is a beautiful small tree that grows to 3m and has graceful pendulous branches. It’s widely used in gardens as an ornamental feature rather than a fruit tree. For a productive, high-yielding variety, look for the traditional black mulberry (Morus nigra) and its various cultivars. Red or white forms of ‘Shahtoot’ (Morus macroura ‘Shahtoot’) also fruit well, producing masses of long red or white berries. Take care when choosing a planting spot as the fruit can stain paths and hard surfaces.
While these berries look very similar, there are a few key differences. Mulberries grow on trees and have longer, oval-shaped fruit. Blackberries form on canes and the fruit is typically shorter, round, plump and shiny. However, they’re equally delicious!
Like most berries, mulberries can be enjoyed fresh, whizzed into smoothies or frozen. They are also great for making jams and conserves.
Mulberries grow well in most climates except for the hot tropics. They are hardy once established and tolerant of cold conditions and frost. Choose a spot in full sun with well-drained soil and protection from strong winds. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and to the same depth. Mix in compost and organic pelletised fertiliser and fork in. Plant up, backfill and water in well. Mulch around the base with an organic mulch like pine bark or sugar cane mulch, keeping it at least 10cm away from the trunk.
Water regularly in the first year, especially during hot, dry weather. Once established, watering frequency can be reduced. Top up the mulch to help retain soil moisture and control weeds.
Prune in late winter when the tree is dormant, cutting it back hard to an ‘open vase’ framework. It can also be trellised to a fence or sturdy support to keep the size manageable and make it easier to harvest. A light prune in summer will also help control excessive growth.
Mulberries are tolerant of dry conditions once established, but will perform better with regular watering, especially when fruiting. Feed in early spring with a fertiliser that’s specially formulated for fruiting plants.
After planting, a mulberry tree takes two to three years to bear fruit. Fruit appears from late spring or early summer; pick when berries have changed colour. The fruit will not continue to ripen after being picked, so only harvest berries when they’re ready.
Mulberry trees are fairly trouble-free, but they might occasionally suffer from bacterial blight or fungal leaf spot. Prune affected growth and dispose of any infected plant parts. An annual winter prune will help open up the canopy, increase air flow and reduce the risk of disease.
While you can grow a mulberry tree from seed, this is not recommended as it can take up to 10 years to bear fruit. A better alternative is to try growing one from a cutting.
To do this, take a 30-50cm cutting in autumn or early spring. Remove any side shoots and most of the foliage, leaving one or two leaves near the tip. Insert the cutting into a pot filled with well-drained mix, position in a warm spot and keep moist. Transplant into a larger pot the following year.
Midyim berry: a popular bush tucker plant with white-and-purple-speckled berries.
Chamelaucium ‘Jambinu Zest’: a variety of Geraldton wax, bred specifically for its edible leaves and flowers.
Macadamia: a handsome evergreen tree with delicious buttery nuts.
Check out our wide range of plants now and get your garden growing!
Photo credit: Getty Images
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