mulberry 'Chelsea'
mulberry Chelsea ( syn. King James )
This mulberry is derived from the last remaining tree that was planted during the reign of King James I, at what...
12 litre pot | ½ standard | 1.3m tall
£149.99
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Plant description
This mulberry is derived from the last remaining tree that was planted during the reign of King James I, at what is now known as the Chelsea Physic Garden. Sadly the original tree no longer stands (it was felled to make way for an air raid shelter in the Second World War), but fortunately cuttings were taken, and this is one of its descendents. Needless to say it's a fine, old-fashioned English variety, that produces larger than average, succulent fruits, which have a rich flavour. These tend to start appearing relatively early in the plants life (usually around 4-5 years), with full production after 7-10 years. The low, gnarled branches and handsome foliage make it a very ornamental addition to the garden.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for mulberry Chelsea:
When planting your mulberry, prepare a hole up to three times the diameter of its root system. Fork over the base of the pit in readiness, incorporating plenty of organic matter into the backfill and planting hole. Avoiding frozen and waterlogged soil, trees should be planted out as they arrive. If you've ordered a bare root tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour prior to planting, or if this is not possible, they can be heeled in temporarily, covering their roots with soil, or potted up. Plant in full sun out of cold, drying winds. Little pruning is needed apart from removing low, dead, diseased or crossing branches. This must be tackled after leaf-fall, but before midwinter, to prevent the stems 'bleeding'.
Please note:
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
