Mulberry Plant Care

Mulberry (Morus macroura) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Morus genus. Mulberry is native to Tibet, the Himalayas, mountainous area of Indonesia, and rain forests of Indochina. Mulberry is also known as King's Fig, Ceylon Mulberry.

Mulberry displays a fast-growing small tree growth habit, reaching up to 25 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Mulberry produces inconspicuous green flowers followed by edible red to black berries.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mulberry every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Mulberry thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Morus macroura tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Mulberry prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Mulberry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mulberry every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mulberry is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Mulberry can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 25 ft (8 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Mulberry while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Mulberry is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Mulberry can be propagated through cuttings, layering, seeds.

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Mulberry is susceptible to aphids, scales, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Mulberry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Mulberry is native to Tibet, the Himalayas, mountainous area of Indonesia, and rain forests of Indochina. In cooler regions, grow Mulberry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.