Overview
Morus alba is a spreading branched trees in the genus Morus, part of the Moraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 8-12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 20-50 years. Morus alba grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to China.
About
Morus alba is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree characterized by its broad, spreading form. Its leaves are glossy and can be either ovate or heart-shaped, shifting to a light yellow hue in the fall. In late spring and early summer, this species produces pale green catkins, which are followed by edible fruits resembling raspberries. These fruits start off white and mature to shades of reddish-pink or nearly black. The leaves of Morus alba have historically been a primary food source for silkworms.
About the genus
Morus comprises deciduous trees and shrubs characterized by broadly ovate leaves that may be deeply lobed. The plants produce small, green flowers that are not particularly noticeable, which give way to fruit that is typically edible and can be white, red, or black in color.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Morus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Morus alba size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Morus alba
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soil in full sun, with shelter from cold, dry winds. See mulberry cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1, in late autumn or early winter to avoid bleeding
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by hardwood cuttings in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to mulberry leaf spot, mulberry canker, coral spot, powdery mildews and honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Morus alba?
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soil in full sun, with shelter from cold, dry winds. See mulberry cultivation for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Morus alba?
Morus alba prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Morus alba need?
Morus alba is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Morus alba?
Pruning group 1, in late autumn or early winter to avoid bleeding.
How big does Morus alba grow?
Morus alba reaches a height of 8-12 metres and a spread of wider than 8 metres. It takes around 20-50 years to reach full size.
Is Morus alba hardy in the UK?
Morus alba has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Morus alba?
Propagate by seed, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by hardwood cuttings in autumn.