Mulberry (Morus alba) SHANDONG

'Shandong' is a unique, rarely cultivated variety of white mulberry from China that combines a rare combination of high fertility, excellent flavour, high yield and reliable hardiness. These characteristics and its health benefits make it one of the most interesting fruit trees for modern and organic cultivation.

The tree grows vigorously, has an upright habit and a compact crown. It grows to a height of 3 to 5 metres and is aesthetically pleasing as well as useful. The variety is self-pollinating - flowers are produced on both annual and perennial wood, which ensures reliable fertility even without the presence of other mulberries. It comes into fruiting very early, often as early as the second year after planting.

The fruit of 'Shandong' mulberry is unusually large, cylindrical, weighing 5-7 g, 4-4,5 cm long (some up to 5 cm) and 1,5-2 cm wide. They are milky white when fully ripe and begin to turn a delicate pink when ripe. They have a very sweet and aromatic flavour - with a sugar content of up to 22 °Brix or more, making them one of the sweetest fruits of their kind. This is why in some Asian cultures, ground white mulberry fruit is used as a natural sweetener.

The ripening period falls between June and July - harvesting begins at the end of June and continues until mid-July. The harvest is regular, abundant and stable over the long term. The fruit is suitable for direct consumption, but also for drying, making powders, syrups or jams.

As with high-quality modern varieties, 'Shandong' has excellent resistance to disease and pests - no chemical protection is needed during the growing season, making it suitable for organic farming and for home gardeners. The variety is fully hardy to -23 °C and adapts well to different climatic conditions.

In addition to its tasty fruits, 'Shandong' offers a rich medicinal potential. Traditional Chinese medicine uses not only the fruit, but also the leaves, roots and bark - known for their positive effects on metabolism, blood sugar levels and the immune system. The tree can live for over a hundred years, making it a long-lasting and valuable part of the garden.