Mulberry : Charlton House

Morus nigra. The Charlton House Mulberry is said to be the oldest of its species in the country, and was originally planted in 1608 at the behest of Charles I. This attractive tree will make a stunning addition to any spacious garden with its large, heart-shaped, lush green leaves.

The mulberry is a slow-growing, but long-lived tree and is capable of growing to 40ft (12m) in height and with a 50ft (15m) spread. Trees are slow to produce fruit, often taking up to six years, however when fully ripe, the berries are very dark red, almost black in colour with a juicy and very distinctive, sweet flavour.

The fruit matures slowly during the summer months and ripens during August.