Morus nigra
Mulberry, Black mulberry, Common mulberry, Morera negra
- Height × spread
- 8m × 5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This picturesque, gnarled mulberry is preferably grown with a hoary leaning trunk and branches that have become twisted in their great age. It can take about 35 years to achieve a height of 10m (30ft). It is a lovely tree of great character, associated with the gardens of old colleges. There are large, heart-shaped leaves, rough to the touch and in autumn you get sweet, juicy mulberries. These look like raspberries, are purple-red in colour, and pleasantly edible. The juice stains hands and mouths and, if a mulberry is planted near the house, the fruits tread beautifully into carpets!
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Stem colour
- Brown, Grey
- Fruit colour
- Purple, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 8m
- Spread
- 5m
- Height in 10 years
- 5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Architectural, Bird attraction
- Walls
- South, West facing
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.