It has beenovertaken by the invasivewhite mulberry, which out-competes and hybridizes with the red mulberry.
Keep these care requirements in mind.
Light
The tree will be its showiest and produce the most fruit when placed in full sun.
The Spruce / K. Dave
It does tolerate part shade somewhat well but will not produce fruit as proficiently.
It can be a messy tree as it sheds fruit and can stain whatever is underneath its canopy.
In addition, birds love the fruit and deposit their droppings, which are brightly colored around the area.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Keep this in mind when carefully picking a spot for your tree.
A loamy soil that isneutral to alkalineis preferred.
No need for supplemental watering after that.
The Spruce / K. Dave
The red mulberry is drought-resistant but you should still soak the soil as needed during a dry spell.
This is especially true if you’re growing for fruit production.
The red mulberry does well at a variety of temperatures.
The Spruce / K. Dave
ItsUSDA Hardiness Zonesare 3-8.
Fertilizer
There is no need to fertilize the red mulberry tree.
Other varieties of mulberry are generally considered pests when planted in the US.
So, only prune dead or damaged limbs during winter dormancy or in the fall as it approaches.
This is also the time to prune your mulberry for guiding its growth toward the desired shape.
Propagating Red Mulberry Trees
Mulberry trees can be propagated with branch cuttings.
The seeds should be planted 8 to 12 inches apart.
Trees will produce fruit in 4 to 10 years.
Overwintering
Red mulberry trees are cold tolerant and do not need special care during the winter.
In certain regions, borers can make their way to the tree.
Red mulberry trees can be vulnerable to disease, mainly bacterial blight.
It will appear on leaves and shoots as water spots or black stripes.
Prune dying shoots immediately and spray with recommended fungicides for trees.
Powdery mildew and root rot can also affect the tree.verify your planting site is well draining.
If you’re experiencing hot temperatures and a period of drought, water your red mulberry to prevent this.
The shoots will be short and stocky and growing together.
Witches broom can result from a number of viral and environmental causes.
Prune the clusters to before they divert energy away from the rest of the tree.
Premature Fruit Drop
You may notice fruit dropping before it’s ready.
This is a common occurrence that is usually sparked by environmental factors, including colder weather.
verify you’re pruning the tree when necessary to reduce the weight on the branches.
you could also pinch off buds before they progress to the fruiting phase.
Red mulberry trees can live to be over 100 years old.
albacultivars available in the nursery trade.
Two other benefits of these fruitless cultivars are that the trees will not hybridize and spread, and theM.
albacultivars are readily available in the nursery trade.
North Carolina State University Extension.
Texas Plant Disease Handbook, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
