Mulberry trees

Mulberries are deciduous fruiting trees producing small yellow-green flowers from May to June followed by divine, slightly acidic, tart-sweet fruit in raspberry-like clusters. Mulberries are truly delightful fruits with a royal association tracing back to Tudor times. They are quite scarce in the shops, making growing your own an excellent way to get a regular, ready supply of this delicious, juicy fruit, right on your doorstep. Mulberry trees also make an attractive architectural feature in the garden with a spreading growth habit, twisted, knobbly branches and beautiful autumn foliage colour. They can be grown in the border or containers using a loam-based compost such as John Innes No 2, although container-grown plants should be transplanted into a slightly larger pot each year. They can also be trained as an espalier, cordon or fan against a wall if space is limited and will tolerate a wide range of soil types. Stake after planting to prevent wind rock and keep well watered until established, applying a general purpose fertiliser such as blood, fish and bone in late winter.