Mulberry - Hicks Fancy Morus nigra

Description: Morus nigra 'Hicks Fancy', commonly known as Hicks Fancy Mulberry, is a deciduous tree prized for its abundant, sweet fruit and attractive, dense foliage. It is a popular choice in gardens and orchards for its high fruit yield and ornamental appeal.

Flowers:

• Blooms: Inconspicuous greenish flowers appear in late spring to early summer. The flowers are not the main ornamental feature of the tree.
• Fragrance: The flowers are generally not fragrant.

Fruit:

• Fruit: Produces abundant, large, dark purple to black mulberries that are sweet and juicy. The fruit matures in late summer and is highly prized for eating fresh, making jams, or desserts.

Foliage:

• Leaves: Large, dark green, heart-shaped leaves with a slightly rough texture. The foliage provides dense shade and turns yellow in autumn before dropping.

Form and Size:

• Size: Typically grows 6-10 meters tall and wide, forming a broad, spreading canopy.
• Habit: Upright and spreading with a dense, rounded crown that provides excellent shade.

Growing Conditions:

• Climate: Thrives in temperate to warm climates, suitable for many regions in Australia. It can tolerate a range of climates but prefers warm summers for optimal fruit production.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil but can adapt to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.
• Sunlight: Best grown in full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages the best growth and fruit production.
• Watering: Regular watering during the establishment phase is crucial. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.

Uses:

• Edible Garden: Produces high-quality fruit that can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in jams, jellies, and desserts.
• Landscape Feature: Ideal as a specimen tree in gardens and parks, where its dense foliage and fruit production can be showcased.
• Shade Tree: Its broad canopy provides excellent shade, making it suitable for planting in areas where shade is desired.

Maintenance:

• Pruning: Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Regular pruning helps control its size and encourages more vigorous growth.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and fruiting.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases. Monitor for spider mites, aphids, and mulberry leaf spot, especially in humid conditions.

Notes:

• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 5-9. In cooler regions of Australia, protect from severe frost to prevent damage to young shoots.

Companion Plants: Underplant with low-growing ground covers or perennials that complement its broad canopy, such as hostas or ferns

Morus nigra 'Hicks Fancy' (Hicks Fancy Mulberry)

Common Name: Hicks Fancy Mulberry

Botanical Name: Morus nigra 'Hicks Fancy'

Family: Moraceae

Origin: Selected for its fruit quality and ornamental value

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