Adjust the plant's position, ensuring that as seasons change, Morus rubra continues to access adequate light. Move the plant as necessary to avoid prolonged shade.

Red mulberry (Morus rubra)

Also known as: Red Mulberry

The red mulberry tree (Morus rubra), a small- to medium-sized deciduous species, produces sweet, blackberry-like fruits. These fruits are versatile and can be enjoyed fresh or used in cooking and baking. They are great for making jams, jellies, and pie fillings. Additionally, red mulberries can be fermented to produce mulberry wine. Historical records indicate that English settlers in early Virginia utilized these plants for their edible fruits.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Red mulberry

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

10 m to 20 m

Spread

6 m to 12 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

5 mm to 7 mm

Flower Color

Green Yellow

Images of Red mulberry

Quickly Identify Red mulberry

Heart-shaped, dark green leaves with toothed edges, ranging from 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) in length.

Unisexual flowers in drooping catkin-like spikes, greenish in color, with male catkins around 1.5 inches (4 cm) long.

Sweet, blackberry-like fruits in reddish to dark purple clusters, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in length.

Slender branches with smooth reddish-brown bark, featuring scattered white lenticels and light green glabrous shoots.

Distinctive sturdy trunk with grey-brown bark adorned with scaly ridges that exfoliate for unique tactile identification.

Scientific Classification of Red mulberry

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Rosales

Family

Mulberry

Genus

Mulberries

Species

Red mulberry

Planting and Growing of Red mulberry

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

68-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Red mulberry?

It's important to water Morus rubra deeply, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. The key is to provide just enough water to penetrate several inches into the soil, allowing the roots to absorb sufficient moisture without becoming oversaturated. Adjust the quantity as needed depending on climate and soil drainage.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Red mulberry? ›

What should I do if my Red mulberry is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Red mulberry? ›

How to save an overwatered Red mulberry? ›

More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Red mulberry?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

Partial to full sunlight is beneficial for Morus rubra as it promotes healthy growth, vibrant foliage, and robust fruit production while reducing the risk of pests and diseases.

Optimal Sunlight Hours ›

Balancing Light Intensity ›

Seasonal Adjustments ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Red mulberry?

Ideal Temperature: 68 ~ 77℉

The ideal temperature range for Morus rubra is between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This range provides optimal growth conditions, encouraging robust development and abundant fruit production. Within this temperature span, photosynthesis and cellular activities occur efficiently, ensuring healthy plant growth.

What Soil is Best for Red mulberry?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 5.5 ~ 7.5

Morus rubra thrives in soil rich in organic matter, which aids in moisture retention and provides essential nutrients. The presence of decayed plant material not only enriches the soil but also improves its structure, fostering better root development and growth for the plant. This plant requires well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. Ensuring that the soil has good drainage allows for better oxygenation of the roots, contributing to the overall health and vigor of Morus rubra. It's important for Morus rubra to have moderately moist soil to ensure steady growth. Consistent moisture helps in nutrient uptake and supports the plant's physiological processes, ensuring robust foliage and fruit production. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Red mulberry?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Morus rubra, apply a balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 formulation. For liquid fertilizers, use approximately one tablespoon per gallon of water, ensuring coverage over the root zone. For slow-release fertilizers, use about 1 to 2 pounds per tree, depending on the size and age. This ensures adequate nutrient availability for growth without overloading the plant with excess nutrients. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Red mulberry?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

When pruning, make cuts just above healthy buds to encourage new growth. This ensures that the tree can recover effectively and continue to flourish. Begin by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. This helps to prevent disease spread and allows the tree to focus its energy on healthy growth. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Red mulberry plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late spring, Early summer

Select healthy, non-flowering stems in early spring. Cut sections of about 6 inches each. Remove the lower leaves to prevent rot when planting.

For layering, bend a low branch to the ground, slightly wound the stem, and cover the wounded part with soil to encourage rooting over a few months.

Collect red mulberry seeds in late summer. Stratify them in a cold frame for several weeks before sowing to break dormancy and enhance germination.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Red mulberry plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

You should consider repotting Morus rubra when you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes, the soil drying out rapidly after watering, or when the growth appears stunted. Spring offers the best conditions for the plant to recover and establish itself. Repotting in early spring allows the tree to utilize the upcoming growing season to expand in its new space.

Select a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, ensuring it has one or more drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Opting for a pot with a diameter about 2 inches larger than the current pot will provide enough space for root growth without overwhelming the plant. This helps in maintaining proper moisture levels and preventing root rot.

Use well-draining, loamy soil to ensure good aeration and prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which may lead to root rot. A soil mix rich in organic matter will provide essential nutrients and support healthy growth. Combining garden soil with compost can improve the soil structure and nutrient content.