Large-Fruited White Mulberry | Morus alba 'Giant Fruit'

Leaves

Morus alba 'Giant Fruit' has glossy, light green leaves that are irregularly shaped and often deeply lobed. The leaf surface has a slightly rough texture. The leaves can reach approximately 20 cm in length and, together with the irregular branching, give the tree a distinctive appearance. In autumn, the foliage turns a beautiful golden yellow before falling.

Growth Habit and Height

This white mulberry grows as a free-standing tree with a rounded, somewhat compact crown and irregular branching. When fully mature, the tree can reach a height of 8 to 10 metres, depending on the growing conditions.

Growing Conditions

Morus alba 'Giant Fruit' prefers a sunny, warm and sheltered position in well-drained soil, preferably with a calcareous composition.

Flowers and Fruit

In May and June, inconspicuous white to greenish-white flowers appear on the branches. These are followed by the fruits, which are initially green, then turn red, and finally become deep red-black to almost black when fully ripe. The fruits resemble raspberries in both shape and flavour, are notably large and have a mildly sweet taste. They ripen in August and September.

Winter Hardiness

Morus alba 'Giant Fruit' is highly winter hardy. Additional frost protection is not necessary for mature trees. Young, not yet fully established specimens are somewhat more sensitive to frost and therefore benefit from some additional protection during their first few years.

Origin

The white mulberry is originally native to northern and central China. The cultivar 'Giant Fruit' is a relatively new, selectively bred variety, particularly known for its exceptionally large and juicy fruits compared with the common species.

How to plant the tree?

1. Determine the final location of the tree and ensure it is free from cables, debris, old plants, and other obstacles that may hinder the tree's growth.
2. Dig a planting hole that is twice the width of the root ball. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the planting hole and mix the excavated soil with (organic) garden soil or planting substrate.
3. Adjust the planting hole to the height where the root ball fits and firmly press the soil.
4. Fill the planting hole with water and wait for it to settle. Check if the root ball is sufficiently moist.
5. Place the tree or plant in the planting hole. It is extremely important that the tree is not planted too deep, as this can cause root rot.
6. Insert a tree stake or bamboo stake firmly into the ground on the side of the tree where the most wind comes from.
7. Now, place the watering ring or create a mound of soil around the tree so that water can seep into the ground.

Why Choose a Young Tree from Amitis

• Easy to plant yourself due to the compact size and light weight
• Conveniently delivered to your home in a sturdy packaging
• Experience the growth and development of your own tree
• Easy to maintain
• Cultivate the size and growth form you are looking for
• Attain mature size within a short time
• Can be planted year-round as everything is delivered in pots
• No root loss and better chances of establishment as everything is pot-grown
• Cost-effective purchase
• Fresh, healthy plants directly from the grower

Questions?

Want to know more about pruning? Read our page on tree maintenance! Feel free to contact us; we are happy to assist!