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Mulberry
Mulberry

Coming from Asia, Mulberries have been grown for centuries in Japan for their leaves, which represent silk-worm basic diet. They were imported in Europe for the same reason during the period of Roman Empire; from then on they are ornamental elements for parks and gardens. In nature, mulberries are small trees of mean size having a twisted and quaint form. In bonsai specimens, the strong trunk, the wrinkled bark and the dentate leaves create interesting combinations of different shapes and structures. The quite insignificant flowers are followed by small edible fruits which, when ripe, change their colour from white to dark pink.

 
Mulberry
 
Detail
Detail
   
Exposure
Exposure
 

Sunlight. We suggest to shelter it from winter frost.

 
Watering
Watering
 

Everyday during the vegetative season. Water it less frequently but keep the soil always wet, because the tree loves humidity.

 
Fertilizing
Fertilizing
 

Every two weeks in spring and in summer. In late summer or in autumn use fertilizers with great potassium contents.

 
Repotting
Repotting
 

About every two years at the beginning of spring, using mould with a good drainage.

 
Pruning
Pruning
 

Shorten the new growth to two leaves. Remove the biggest leaves while they are growing. Prune the biggest branches at the end of winter or at the beginning of spring, before the buds open.

 
Propagation
Propagation
 

By stratified seeds, sown in spring. By cuttings in spring. By layers in summer.

Bonsai styles

Suitable for Informal Upright, Slanting, Prostrate, Cascade, Root over Rock, Double Trunk, Common Stump styles. Suitable for every size.

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