Weeping Mulberry: Key Features and Growing Tips

Weeping mulberry refers not only to ornamental plants, this tree is characterized by an abundance of tasty and fragrant fruits. This type of mulberry has a compact size, so it does not take much space in the summer cottage. In addition, such a tree does not require special care, so you do not spend a lot of energy on its cultivation.

Let us understand what a weeping mulberry is and how to properly care for it, so that it brings a good stable crop.

One of the most popular varieties of weeping mulberries is the Black Baroness.

Despite the fact that this variety is characterized by black fruits in color, the “Black Baroness” belongs to the white variety of mulberry, since the species of this plant is determined not by the color of the berries, but by the color of the bark, which is distinguished by a whitish hue in this species.

"Black Baroness" belongs to the early varieties, so the first berries appear in early June and will delight until July. Blossoms such a tree since the end of April.

If you have planted a similar plant, you can expect the first harvest already three years later from the moment of disembarkation. Unplanned varieties that are grown from seed or cuttings will bear fruit when the tree is 5 years old.

In appearance, the fruits of the “Black Baroness” resemble blackberry berries, but, unlike the latter, they have no fruit. The sizes of fruits can reach 5 centimeters. They include small beads that are attached to the handle.

This tree belongs to the standard variant, therefore its maximum height does not exceed 2.5-3 meters. The crown is able to grow significantly in width, reaching a value of 1.5-2 meters. Twigs of a weeping mulberry differ in decent length, they sag and can reach almost to the ground. In its appearance, such a tree resembles a willow, but has rather large foliage, like that of a habitual mulberry.

Thanks to these qualities, many gardeners and landscape designers planted weeping mulberries for landscaping and decorating the backyard plot.

Variety "Black Baroness" prefers an abundance of sunlight, so weeping mulberries are planted in the unspoiled area. But care should be taken to protect the seedling from strong cold winds in winter. Since the twigs of this standard mulberry are fragile, the winter blizzard can damage them.

Fortunately, such a plant is not demanding on the composition of the soil. It grows well and bears fruit even in saline areas. With a strong root system, the tree is able to strengthen the sandy soil. Do not plant it only in the marsh area.

Since the "Black Baroness" refers to modern plant varieties, it is dioecious. No planting of male and female trees required, as is the case with ordinary mulberry. Such a plant does not require special pollination.

The place where the weeping mulberry will grow is prepared in the autumn. To do this, dig a hole, the width, height and depth of which is 50 cm. After the winter period (before planting), it should be slightly expanded.

Planted weeping mulberries in the spring. In the pit should pour the earth, mixed with half a bucket of humus and containing phosphate-potassium fertilizer. It is necessary to put no more than 2 matchboxes on one tree. Since the root system of the seedling is very delicate, the tree should be transplanted into the ground very carefully so as not to damage the roots.

When planting is carried out, a bucket of water should be poured under the tree, then the soil is mulched.

Young trees are planted at a distance of three meters from the rest of the plants, as well as from each other. In this case, all seedlings will have enough moisture and nutrients that they receive from the soil.

Weeping mulberry propagates by cuttings. Cut stalks need in early summer. To do this, choose the growth of the current year. Cuttings should be planted, observing an angle of 45 degrees.

Weeping mulberry - unpretentious plant, it does not require special care. Very attentively, only young saplings should be treated, more mature trees can grow almost without any trouble.

Comprehensive care activities include:

• regular soil irrigation;
• soil loosening and fertilizer;
• ridding of seedlings from weeds;
• spring and autumn pruning;
• carrying out preventive measures against diseases and parasites.

Regular watering of weeping mulberry improves its frost-resistant properties. Very actively should be watered plant from the beginning of spring until the end of June, if there is very hot weather.

Loosening the soil around the tree will allow the seedling to grow and develop better.

The young tree does not need additional feeding. Fertilizers applied during planting will be enough for 2-3 years. After this period, it is recommended to fertilize with organic and mineral substances. It should not be done very often. Weeping mulberry will be enough if you apply fertilizer 2 times a season.

1. First feeding carried out in early spring, while the snow has not yet descended. At the beginning of March, urea should be scattered over an ice crust. You will need about 40-50 grams of this fertilizer per 1 square meter. Instead of urea, ammonium nitrate can be used. It will need a larger amount - 80-100 grams per 1 square meter.
2. Second feeding carried out in mid-August. For these purposes, potassium and phosphorus are used. Such substances will allow the seedling to winter well.

Throughout the season, the grass under the weeping mulberry saplings should be mowed. Try to do this so that the soil does not remain completely devoid of vegetation.

To form a crown weeping mulberry, you need to leave the boom, whose height is 0.5-1 meters. For these purposes it is necessary to cut off all side shoots. The crown of such a seedling should look like a bowl or a bowl. Its height is approximately 2-4 meters. If you are not a very experienced gardener, then it is better to invite a specialist to carry out decorative trimming.

Decorative pruning is carried out in the spring until such time as the buds began to bloom. The ambient temperature should not be below –10 degrees.

If you are going to form a crown in the form of a ball, then the side branches, located at the bottom, should be left shorter than those in the middle. From the middle of the future ball to shorten the branches in reverse order.

Some gardeners prefer to give the broom a weeping mulberry. In this case, decorative pruning is performed without selecting a central shoot. All branches are cut at the same height.For the formation of a tree leave 3-4 strongest escape.

Autumn pruning belongs to the sanitary treatment options sapling. It involves a cut of old, prone to disease, dried twigs, as well as those shoots that grow inside the crown and spoil its appearance. Autumn pruning is done when the leaf fall is over. It is carried out no more often than 1 time in several years. If there is a young growth that did not grow, it should be cut off.

In order to minimize the risk of the appearance of various diseases and parasites, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatment of the seedling, as well as the tree trunk circle, in a timely manner. Insecticides and fungicides are used for this purpose. The optimal time for the implementation of preventive measures is the beginning of April, until buds appear on the tree. You can also use a 7% urea solution.

In addition, it is recommended to conduct additional processing in October, when the vegetative period of the weeping mulberry is over. For these purposes, apply a 3% solution Bordeaux fluid.

Many gardeners leave positive feedback on the Black Baroness variety. Weeping mulberry is appreciated for delicious berries that ripen very early.

Gardeners also note excellent frost resistance and high resistance to pests and diseases.

Landscape designers celebrate such seedlings for a large, beautiful crown, thanks to which this ornamental plant can decorate any personal plot.

Plant and you in your garden "Black Baroness", and you will not regret. This tree is different longevity, so not only you or your children, but also grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will taste the fruits of the weeping mulberry and rest in the shade of its branches.

See the next video for details of weeping mulberry planting.