Hortiforum

General Info – Mulberry

A mulberry trees is an iconic sight in Australian backyards, standing out as one of the most sought-after fruit trees for good reason.
Their succulent, juicy berries, are perfect for foraging and snacking, borne abundantly on the branches. Mulberries come in various types: the common, sub-acidic Black Mulberry (Morus Nigra) which is similar in appearance to a Blackberry, the sweet yet mild White Mulberry (Morus Alba), and the elongated, sweet, and stain-free Shahtoot Mulberry (Morus Macroura). While ideal for immediate consumption, these fruits don’t store well but can be transformed into delectable baked goods like mulberry pies or preserved through drying or making jams. Botanically considered a multiple fruit, Mulberries are formed from a cluster of individual flowers that mature and fuse together.
Mulberry trees exhibit remarkable hardiness, enduring extremes of heat and cold without needing protection, and generally thriving in regions with distinct seasonal changes. They flourish throughout temperate and subtropical Australia but struggle in tropical climates lacking chill hours. Requiring minimal maintenance, Mulberry trees grow rapidly, even in adverse conditions or harsh, arid climates, provided they receive full sun and sufficient supplemental watering (especially during Summer). This makes them excellent candidates for water-wise gardens, particularly varieties grafted onto resilient rootstocks, which often demand little to no watering in non-arid climates. Most soil types and PH levels are tolerated, although a well-draining, slightly acidic loam soil is optimum. Birds may be drawn to ripe fruits, but the sheer abundance produced by mature trees ensures that there is plenty to share.
Both cutting-grown and grafted fruit trees typically yield within 1-2 years due to their vigorous growth, producing abundant mulberries, sometimes offering two crops—one in spring and another in autumn. Self-pollinating, mulberry trees set heavy yields without requiring cross-pollination. Beyond their fruit-bearing capacity, they are prized for their ornamental appeal, growing to heights under 10 metres with ample space and sunlight, forming dense crowns. Due to their vigorous growth, regular pruning may be necessary to maintain a manageable size. Notably, the heart-shaped leaves of White Mulberry are favoured by silkworms as a primary food source.
With their abundance of sweet, flavourful berries, coupled with their resilience and low maintenance requirements, Mulberry trees are a rewarding, low maintenance fruit tree.

Plant Profile/Properties