Mulberry 'Illinois Everbearing'

A hybrid between the White and Red Mulberry, 'Illinois Everbearing' is perhaps the best variety for UK gardens due to its hardiness and extended fruiting season. Unlike the classic Black Mulberry which can take years to fruit, this cultivar often starts producing within just a few years. It bears long, slender fruit that resembles a blackberry, ripening from green to red and finally to a deep, sweet purple-black. The harvest continues throughout much of the summer. The tree is vigorous and can grow quite large, but it is easily pruned to a manageable size. It features large, attractive lobed leaves and is very hardy (H6). It is self-fertile and requires very little maintenance once established. It prefers a sunny, sheltered spot in well-drained soil. The fruit is delicious eaten fresh or used in preserves, though gardeners should be wary of the juice staining paths.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.