Mulberry

Mulberry

The Mulberry is one of the most spectacular and rewarding fruit trees you can grow in a British garden. Steeped in history — mulberry trees were planted in the gardens of Tudor manor houses and can live for hundreds of years — this is a tree that will become a true garden heirloom. Slow to establish but extraordinarily generous once mature, a mulberry tree is a gift to future generations.

About the Fruit

Mulberries are extraordinary fruits — deep red to almost black when fully ripe, with an intensely rich, sweet-sharp flavour that is quite unlike anything you can buy in a shop. They are notoriously difficult to transport, which is why home-grown mulberries are such a rare treat. Eat fresh, use in summer puddings, jams, jellies or wine, or simply enjoy them straight from the tree.

Growing Information

• Long-lived and ornamental — a beautiful specimen tree with attractive lobed foliage
• Produces abundant crops of deep red-black berries from midsummer to early autumn
• Thrives in a warm, sunny and sheltered position with well-drained, fertile soil
• Hardy once established — tolerates most UK conditions in a sheltered spot
• Slow to fruit in the early years but increasingly productive as the tree matures
• Low maintenance once established — requires minimal pruning

Planting Tips

Plant in the warmest, most sheltered spot in your garden — a south-facing wall is ideal. Mulberries are slow to establish so be patient in the first few years. Water regularly during dry spells and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Avoid moving the tree once planted as mulberries dislike root disturbance. The fruit stains intensely, so harvest carefully!