Overview

Morus nigra 'Chelsea' is a spreading branched tree in the genus Morus, part of the Moraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 10.0 m tall and 4.5 m wide. Morus nigra 'Chelsea' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include edible fruit, cottage and informal garden and low maintenance.

About

Morus nigra, or the black mulberry, is a species of flowering plant in the family Moraceae that is native to southwestern Asia, where it has been cultivated for so long that its precise natural range is unknown. The black mulberry is known for its large number of chromosomes.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Morus nigra

About the genus

Morus, a genus of flowering plants in the family Moraceae, consists of 19 species of deciduous trees commonly known as mulberries, growing wild and under cultivation in many temperate world regions. Generally, the genus has 64 subordinate taxa, though the three most common are referred to as white, red, and black, originating from the color of their dormant buds and not necessarily the fruit color, with numerous cultivars and some taxa currently unchecked and awaiting taxonomic scrutiny. M.

Wikipedia contributors, "Morus (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Morus (plant)

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Morus

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Morus nigra 'Chelsea' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Tree
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
10.0 m
Spread
4.5 m
Suggested uses
Edible fruit, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Morus nigra 'Chelsea'

Propagation
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, Hardwood cuttings in autumn
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Mulberry leaf spot, Mulberry canker, Coral spot, Powdery mildews, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Morus nigra 'Chelsea'?

Morus nigra 'Chelsea' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Morus nigra 'Chelsea' need?

Morus nigra 'Chelsea' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Morus nigra 'Chelsea' grow?

Morus nigra 'Chelsea' reaches a height of 10.0 m and a spread of 4.5 m.

Is Morus nigra 'Chelsea' hardy in the UK?

Morus nigra 'Chelsea' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Morus nigra 'Chelsea'?

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, Hardwood cuttings in autumn.

From the Fenn Plants journal

More in the Morus genus

Browse all Morus →