Morus nigra 'Chelsea' (F)
black mulberry 'Chelsea'
A spreading, medium-sized tree, developing crooked and gnarled branches, with heart-shaped, serrated, mid-green foliage turning yellow in autumn. Small, fluffy, catkin-like, green flowers, in late spring or early summer, are followed in late summer by large, succulent, dark red to black fruit. A self-fertile variety with good flavour, cropping from a young age
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Red Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Moraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Morus are deciduous trees and shrubs with broadly ovate, sometimes deeply lobed leaves and inconspicuous green flowers followed by usually edible white, red or black fruit
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, humus-rich, fertile soils with shelter from cold, dry winds. See mulberry cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Pruning group 1, in late autumn or early winter to avoid bleeding
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to mulberry leaf spot, mulberry canker, coral spot, powdery mildews and honey fungus (rarely)
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