White mulberry (Morus alba 'Pendula')

Overview

The Morus alba ‘Pendula’, commonly known as the Weeping White Mulberry, offers significant architectural interest to landscapes where space constraints might prohibit its larger species counterpart. This cultivar is typically top-grafted, resulting in a dramatic, umbrella-like canopy where gnarled branches weep gracefully toward the ground, generally reaching heights of 6 to 10 feet. While White mulberry ancestors were fundamental to ancient silk production in China, this dwarf cultivar is primarily chosen for its unique weeping habit and manageable size. Gardeners seeking unique focal points will appreciate the contrasting textures provided by the glossy, lobed leaves of Morus alba ‘Pendula’.

Even in its compact form, this is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that thrives best when situated where its weeping structure can be fully appreciated. It offers decent resilience, tolerating heat, drought once established, and even urban air pollution, contrasting with its moderate maintenance needs, which mainly center around strategic pruning. Though the species produces edible fruit, be aware that this characteristic may divide opinions upon placement due to potential mess.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Moraceae
• Plant Type: Tree
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 6-10 ft
  • Spread: 8-12 ft
• Bloom Time: March to April
• Bloom Description: Greenish white
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

To establish your Morus alba ‘Pendula’, plant it in the late fall or early spring to allow it time to settle before summer heat. This specimen performs optimally in rich, moist, well-drained soils, though it exhibits surprising tolerance for somewhat alkaline conditions. Ensure it receives full sun for the best growth; while it tolerates part shade, flowering and weeping structure may be compromised.

Watering should be consistent, meeting its “Medium” demands, especially during establishment. Because White mulberry cultivars are known to be somewhat shallow-rooted, monitor soil moisture closely, particularly in hot weather. Little supplemental feeding is usually necessary if the soil is rich; avoid over-fertilizing, which encourages excessive fast growth.

Pruning is a key aspect of maintaining the desirable weeping form of Morus alba ‘Pendula’. Always prune in late fall or winter when the tree is dormant to avoid excessive sap bleeding, which can occur if pruned during active growth. Focus pruning efforts on removing crossed or crowded branches to enhance air circulation and maintain the weeping silhouette.

Landscape Uses

The inherent drama of the Weeping White Mulberry makes it an excellent specimen plant for anchoring smaller garden spaces or courtyards. Due to its weeping habit and restricted height, Morus alba ‘Pendula’ works wonderfully near patio seating areas where the rain of foliage can be enjoyed overhead, provided the fruiting variety is avoided in high-traffic zones. If fruit staining is a significant concern, opt for the sterile male cultivar instead, as the weeping foliage still provides excellent aesthetic appeal without the June mess.

While its unique structure commands attention, avoid planting it too close to paved driveways or walkways if you select a fruiting female specimen, as fallen berries stain concrete and vehicles easily. In larger areas, you can place lower-growing, contrasting foliage—such as groundcovers that tolerate mild alkalinity—beneath its canopy to highlight the weeping curtain effect. This tree’s tolerance for air pollution also makes it a surprisingly robust choice for suburban street plantings where form is paramount.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Insignificant

Fruit Qualities

• Showy
• Edible

Noteworthy Characteristics

Morus alba, commonly called white mulberry is native to China, historically famous as the sole food source for silkworms crucial to silk production. The cultivar ‘Pendula’, sometimes called weeping mulberry, is a dwarf selection, typically growing only 6-10 feet tall and wide, characterized by gnarled branches that weep right down to the ground, often achieved through top-grafting onto a standard tree. The glossy, toothed leaves distinguish it, and while the species fruit is edible, the weeping habit is the main draw for modern ornamental gardeners.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Air Pollution

Potential Problems

This tree generally experiences few serious insect or disease issues, making it a reliable structural plant. However, borers can become a concern, particularly in the hotter Southern States, requiring vigilance and prompt removal of stressed branches. Homeowners should also watch for whiteflies clustering on the foliage in warm conditions. If you choose a fruiting variety of White mulberry, be aware that the ripe fruit can create a significant mess on surrounding horizontal surfaces, staining pavement and cars, which often leads gardeners to select the non-fruiting male counterpart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Morus alba ‘Pendula’ suitable for?

This dependable cultivar is hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 8, making it versatile for many temperate climates.

How large does Morus alba ‘Pendula’ grow?

The weeping form is quite contained compared to the standard species, typically reaching a height of 6 to 10 feet with a spread between 8 and 12 feet.

When does White mulberry bloom?

The White mulberry blooms relatively early in the season, typically from March through April, producing inconspicuous, greenish white flowers.

What sun exposure does Morus alba ‘Pendula’ need?

For the most vigorous growth and best habit, this tree prefers full sun, although it can manage successfully in locations receiving partial shade.

Conclusion

The Morus alba ‘Pendula’ brings unique, cascading texture to the landscape in a relatively compact package, making it a standout specimen tree where space is a consideration. Whether you rely on its drought tolerance or its dramatic weeping form, this cultivar of White mulberry provides year-round visual appeal. Before planting, confirm your zone compatibility (Zones 4-8) and decide whether the ornamental weeping canopy outweighs the mess potential of the fruiting variety.

Companion Planting

Selecting appropriate companions helps enhance the health and aesthetics of your Weeping White Mulberry. Given that Morus alba ‘Pendula’ can be shallow-rooted, avoid planting aggressively competitive shallow feeders right at its base. Complement its weeping form with upright, structurally contrasting plants. Consider using ornamental grasses with strong vertical lines, such as Miscanthus varieties, which thrive in similar sun exposure once established.

For areas requiring excellent ground coverage beneath the canopy, select durable perennials that tolerate light foot traffic or part shade, as the weeping foliage may cast significant shadow during the summer months. Mulching the area around the root zone helps conserve the moisture this “Medium” water user requires, especially if you live on the hotter edges of its hardiness range.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring is the ideal time to start thinking about fertilization, though rich soil often negates this need. Begin observing for early pests like scale or mites as the leaves emerge. Summer care focuses primarily on consistent watering, especially if drought conditions persist, ensuring the medium water needs of the White mulberry are met.

Late fall or early winter is crucial for pruning. This dormant period is the only safe time to make significant aesthetic or structural cuts to the Morus alba ‘Pendula’ without risking excessive sap flow. Inspect the limb structure annually during dormancy to maintain that signature weeping shape. In winter, protect any newly planted young specimens from heavy snow or ice buildup that could damage the weeping branches.