Mulberry trees, once a common feature of old gardens, are once again coming back to the fore for growers. These trees and shrubs offer not only delicious and sweet fruits, but also a diversity that many people do not even know about. From unpretentious dwarf varieties that can fit in a small yard to exotic large-fruited rarities that require special care. In this review, I'll focus on four interesting varieties of potted mulberries that vary in origin, flavor, fruit size, and growing requirements.

Gerardi Dwarf (Morus alba x Morus rubra)

Origin: This compact, large-fruited mulberry variety originates from the USA, where it was bred by crossing Morus alba and Morus rubra. Because of its dwarf stature, it is ideal for small gardens and for growing in pots.
Height: Weak and compact, it reaches a height of 2 metres.
Flowering: The variety is self-pollinating, with flowers forming on both annual and perennial wood.
Fruits: 2-3 cm long fruits ripen gradually from June to August. They are black when fully ripe.
Flesh: The juicy flesh is seedless, with a distinctly sweet and aromatic flavour. The sugar content reaches 20 °Brix and more.
Yield: High, stable and regular. It comes into fruit very early, often as early as the second year after planting.
Frost resistance: Up to -23 °C.

Conclusion: A perfect choice for small gardens and balconies. Its compact, dwarf habit makes it easy to care for, while its high hardiness makes it easy to grow directly in the ground. It reliably produces sweet, dark fruits without requiring special care.
 

Pakistan Red (Morus macroura)

Origin: a small, widespread, large-fruited red mulberry native to Pakistan and Afghanistan. It starts vegetation much earlier than our mulberries, so it is sensitive to late spring frosts. It can only be grown in pots with overwintering in, for example, an unheated greenhouse.
Height: Medium, growing to 1,5-2 metres in a container. The crown is drooping and spreading.
Flowering: The variety is self-pollinating, with flowers forming on annual shoots.
Fruits: Very large, elongated, cylindrical fruits, 7-8 cm long, ripen from late June to mid-August. They are ripe when they turn deep red. They hold well on the tree and do not drop.
Flesh: Juicy, seedless and with an original fruity, sweet and aromatic taste.
Yield: medium. It comes into fruiting very early, often as early as the second year after planting.

Conclusion: An exotic variety for keen growers who are not afraid of a challenge. It rewards the effort of container growing and winter protection with exceptionally large and tasty red fruits. In our conditions it is not very suitable for planting directly into the garden.

Pakistan White (Morus macroura)

Origin: A very rare variety with extra-long fruits, which are extremely rare on the market. Like Pakistan Red, it starts vegetation very early and is sensitive to spring frosts, so it is grown exclusively in containers and overwinters in a sheltered area.
Height: Medium, growing to 1.5-2 metres tall in a container. The crown is overhanging and spreading.
Flowering: The variety is self-pollinating, with flowers forming on annual shoots.
Fruits. They are light yellow when fully ripe.
Flesh: Juicy, seedless, with an extra sweet, honeyed and aromatic flavour. The sugar content is 20 °Brix and more.
Yield: It is medium and regular, coming into fruitfulness very early, often as early as the second year after planting.

Conclusion: This extremely rare variety is a real gourmet delicacy, offering exceptionally long, bright fruit with a unique honey-sweet flavour. Like other Pakistani varieties, it requires container cultivation and protection from frost. It is an ideal choice for those looking for an unusual and exclusive taste experience.

Taiwan Long (Morus macroura)

Origin: a rare large-fruited mulberry with extra-long black fruits. This variety also starts vegetation very early and is sensitive to late spring frosts, so it is intended for pot-growing with overwintering in a greenhouse, for example.
Height: Vigorous, grows to 1,5-2 metres tall in a container. The crown is drooping and spreading.
Flowering: The variety is self-pollinating, with flowers forming on annual shoots.
Fruits: Very long fruits, 8-10 cm long (the longest up to 12 cm), ripen from late June to mid-July. They are tastiest just before full ripeness, when they are burgundy-red, and black at full ripeness.
Flesh: Juicy, seedless and fruity, with a honey-sweet and aromatic flavour.
Yield: medium. It comes into fruiting very early, often as early as the second year after planting.

Conclusion: It impresses with its extremely long, black, teardrop-shaped fruit. Because of its sensitivity to spring frosts, it can only be grown in a container with winter protection. It is the right choice for anyone who wants to grow a truly unusual and impressive fruit.

Overall conclusion:

The world of mulberries is surprisingly diverse and offers opportunities for different types of growers. While Gerardi Dwarf is a reliable and hardy choice, Pakistan Red, Pakistan White and Taiwan Long are exotic gems for enthusiasts who are willing to give them extra care. But the reward for their work will be unique, extra-large and tastefully distinctive fruits.