Originally from the subtropics, mulberries are related to figs. In Germany they are planted as ornamental plants or for their tasty, juicy fruits. They are easy to grow and care for.
The white mulberry was originally introduced to Europe for breeding silkworms, i.e. for silk production. Like the red mulberry, it is considered to be quite hardy. The black mulberry is sensitive to cold wind and frost. These original types were refined and crossed many times, so that today there are numerous different varieties that meet different requirements.
Interesting hybrids
The breeders have succeeded in creating some very interesting hybrids that combine the advantages of the various parent strains. This includes, for example, the Carman variety, this hybrid combines the sweetness of the white mulberry with the aroma of the red mulberry and bears fruit even as a very small plant.
The Kagayamae mulberry is a rare ornamental tree with very large leaves. Since it only grows three to four meters high, it is also well suited for smaller gardens. The beautiful shade provider bears black and red sweet berries. A relatively late harvest gives you the Illinois Everbearing mulberry. It bears abundant large fruits and up to five meters tall.
Selection criteria for a mulberry tree:
- color, quantity or taste of the fruit
- harvest time
- growth height of the tree
- hardiness of the tree
- special growth form
- leaf shape
Mulberry trees in the orchard
Mulberries are not only edible but also very tasty. They resemble blackberries and taste sweet and sour. Mulberries contain a lot of minerals such as zinc and iron, but also plenty of potassium, calcium and magnesium. Depending on the variety, the fruits are white to purple or red to black. White and red mulberries are sweeter than the black ones.
All fruits do not have a long shelf life, so keep that in mind before you buy them. You can use mulberries to make jam, jelly or syrup, bake cakes with them, or dry or freeze the mulberries. Berries that you don't use will be eaten by birds, insects, and other small animals in your garden.
tips and tricks
Choose your mulberry tree according to your needs as a useful or ornamental plant.