About
Morus alba, white mulberry, is a small to medium-sized, spreading, deciduous tree producing broadly ovate to heart-shaped, glossy, toothed leaves turning pale yellow in autumn. Pale-green catkins are produced in late spring followed by edible, raspberry-like fruits ripening from white to reddish-pink or near-black. Traditionally the food plant of silkworms. A decorative and useful tree for a sunny, sheltered garden.
About the genus
Morus, the mulberries, are deciduous trees and shrubs with broadly ovate, sometimes deeply lobed leaves and inconspicuous green flowers followed by usually edible white, red or black fruits. Long-lived and ornamental trees for sunny, sheltered positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina & Korea
Care notes
CultivationBest suited to woodland conditions - leafy, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade - in areas with cool, damp summers
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or divide in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free