Morus nigra is rightly loved for its heart shaped serrated green leaves. The bark is gnarled, giving even younger trees an old and historic appearance. The berries emerge throughout the summer time, ripening to a deep purple luscious juicy fruit in September. In spring cut grass and spray with seaweed solution, come summer collect the fruit as they drop and enjoy the leafy glade of its leaves. Not much pruning is necessary but thin and removing dead or diseased growth in early winter. Very old trees need careful attention to check and protect them.

As a mature tree, the Black Mulberry has a spreading, rounded shape to it which is very attractive. It is slow to produce fruit but a cultivar King James has hurried up the fruiting process but Mulberries are still much appreciated for their beauty even without fruit.

This tree will tolerate most soil conditions, preferring a lighter well drained soil and a warm aspect. They are rarely bothered by frost as they late in coming into flower and leaf. Mulberries have an advantage in that they do not suffer from many pests or diseases. Their roots are quite brittle so care must be taken when planting. (Best in early spring) It is an extremely long lived which is a great addition to a garden, bringing interest all year round.

Mulberry – Giant Fruit

Giant Fruit, also known as Mulberry Pakistan, produces an unusual, heavy crop of fruits that are 2-3 times the size of regular mulberries. Juicy and delicious, good sweet/tart flavour, one of the sweetest of all mulberries. Black in colour. Can be eaten fresh from the tree or cooked into a tasty pudding, jam or liquor. The tree itself is relatively hardy, slow growing, with a neat dome shaped head.