Dwarf Mulberry ‘Mojo Berry’(in 5-liter pot)

Dwarf Mulberry ‘Mojo Berry’ – Morus rotundiloba ‘Mojo Berry’®

Key interest

Compact, prolific, and made for containers, the Dwarf Mulberry ‘Mojo Berry’ redefines the modern fruit shrub. This cultivar crops on both old wood and current‑season growth, extending the harvest from late spring to the first frosts. Self‑fertile and easy to manage, its naturally dwarf habit (about 1–1.5 m) stays tidy with light pruning. Modest catkins give way to clusters of berries turning from red to black, with a sweet, mildly tangy blackberry‑like flavor. In ground or pots, give full sun and well‑drained soil; once established, it tolerates summer dryness reasonably well. As an urban edible, it delivers aesthetic value, long seasonality, and steady support for pollinators and birds. An excellent choice where space is tight but delicious soft fruit is desired without heavy maintenance.

Origins and characteristics

Geographic origin:

Likely Asian breeding with a recent ornamental‑edible focus, combining remontant fruiting, self‑fertility, and compact stature. Tailored to urban gardens and container growing, where light, space, and low‑input care are crucial.

Botanical family:

Member of Moraceae, alongside figs and traditional mulberries, known for composite fruits and protective latex. This lineage underpins its resilience, adaptability, and modest demands for soil and exposure.

Notable features:

Selected to fruit on old and new wood, delivering a longer picking window than typical mulberries. The dwarfing is inherent, not just pruning‑induced. Self‑fertile, so a single plant will set a reliable crop in isolation.

Description and details:

A deciduous, rounded, and bushy shrub with dense branching. Leaves are fresh green, oval, sometimes lightly lobed. Discreet flowers precede abundant berries that ripen in waves, supporting a prolonged harvest in mild conditions.

Mature height:

Around 1 to 1.5 m, depending on container, sun, and soil fertility. In ground it trends taller; in pots it remains naturally compact, keeping fruit within easy reach for stress‑free picking.

Mature spread:

Roughly 0.8 to 1.2 m, forming a balanced shrub. A single light prune annually maintains airflow and light penetration, sustaining dependable fruiting without sacrificing shape.

Habit (general form):

Rounded, bushy habit with pliable shoots. Excellent for container culture or low espalier. The structure stays accessible for harvest and care in tight spaces.

Bark (traits, color, specifics):

Gray‑brown bark, smooth on young wood, then lightly fissured with age. Cut stems exude white latex, typical of Moraceae, aiding wound protection. Shoots are flexible and easy to train.

Foliage (type, color, seasonal change):

Deciduous foliage, bright green, oval to somewhat rounded, occasionally lightly lobed. Leaves handle sun if moisture is adequate. Autumn brings yellowing and leaf‑drop, resetting the plant for strong flowering next season.

Growth (rate):

A moderate, steady grower, particularly well‑behaved in containers. A balanced spring feed supports bloom and fruit without pushing lanky vegetative growth, maintaining a compact, productive plant.

Hardiness (tolerated temperature):

Good hardiness in temperate regions, typically tolerating down to about -15 °C in ground. In containers, protect the rootball from extended freezes; roots are more exposed to temperature swings.

Flowering and fruiting

Flowering period:

Primarily spring, with potential flushes later depending on climate and vigor. Flowers on old wood and new wood, enabling a staggered set and long harvest through summer into fall in mild areas.

Flower details:

Small, modest green catkins, functionally important for fruit set rather than show. They form on well‑lit shoot tips, followed by quick setting where light and moisture are in balance.

Fruits (type and dispersal, taste and pollination):

Composite berries turning from red to black at maturity. Flavor sweet and aromatic with a gentle tang, akin to blackberry. Self‑fertile; mainly wind‑pollinated with insect assistance. Birds aid seed dispersal.

Nectar and wildlife value:

Though modest, the bloom offers nectar for pollinators. Fruits feed birds and small wildlife, boosting biodiversity and providing urban habitats with sustained food resources.

Exposure and soil

Ideal exposure:

Full sun to bright light for best fruiting. In hot regions, give light afternoon shade to protect foliage and preserve fruit quality in peak summer heat.

Suitable soil type:

Free‑draining, fertile soil that holds even moisture without waterlogging. pH neutral to slightly acid. In containers, use quality potting mix with compost and a drainage layer.

Planting

Soil preparation tips:

Ensure drainage, incorporate mature compost and organic matter. For pots, choose 30–40 cm, with holes and a drainage layer. Potted plants can be planted year‑round, avoiding freeze and heatwaves.

Spacing:

Allow 1–1.2 m between plants for airflow and easy harvest. For compact edible hedges, slightly closer with consistent pruning. One plant per container to avoid root competition.

Soil nature:

Neutral to slightly acid, light yet nutritious, evenly moist without saturation. Avoid heavy, wet soils; amend with grit and compost. In chalky areas, add organic matter to buffer moisture.

Watering

Water at planting:

Water thoroughly to settle soil and ensure root contact. Keep even moisture during establishment, especially in pots, without sodden conditions. Mulch to stabilize temperature and reduce evaporation.

Water at maturity:

Once established, fairly drought‑tolerant, but steady watering in dry spells supports fruit. In containers, check more frequently; water deeply to encourage downward rooting.

Pruning

When and how to prune (structure, maintenance):

Prune in late winter or right after the main harvest. Keep an open framework, lightly shorten to prompt branching. Because it fruits on old and new wood, avoid hard cuts that would slash yields.

Propagation

Possible methods:

Semi‑ripe cuttings in summer under gentle warmth and higher humidity. Layering pliable shoots also works. Seed isn’t advised if you wish to retain cultivar traits. Overwinter young potted plants frost‑free.

Garden uses

Ideal placement:

Superb in large containers on patios or balconies, along edible borders, or near the home for easy picking. Prioritize sun, shelter, and drainage for reliable cropping.

Recommended plant companions (common names):

Pair with lavender, thyme, rosemary for pollinators; with strawberry, borage, and calendula to extend bloom and harvest. In pots, underplant with low culinary herbs for productive, attractive displays.

Traditional uses

Historical or cultural uses:

Mulberries have a long culinary tradition: enjoyed fresh, turned into jams, syrups, cordials, pies, sorbets, or gently dried. In Asia and Europe, certain mulberry leaves famously fed the silkworm, underpinning sericulture. ‘Mojo Berry’ brings this heritage to small spaces, delivering generous crops in containers and pocket gardens, making homegrown, sun‑warmed berries accessible on balconies and patios without specialist equipment or large plots.

Protection and diseases

Sensitivities (diseases or pests):

Generally robust, but in sheltered or very dry conditions it can attract scale and spider mites. Prolonged waterlogging risks root rot; overrich, wet soils also diminish fruit quality. Birds relish ripe berries—expect some sharing. Occasional late frosts may nip tender tips in spring; plants in containers are more exposed and benefit from temporary protection.

Prevention and natural treatments:

Prioritise sharp drainage, consistent but moderate watering, and an open framework via light pruning. Encourage beneficial insects and birds with biodiverse plantings. For sap‑suckers, start with a firm water jet, then apply soft soap or horticultural white oil sparingly, targeting colonies and avoiding bloom times. Mulch to buffer moisture, suppress weeds, and keep container roots cool in summer and insulated in winter.

Growth advice

Practical tips for strong development (exposure, pruning, companions):

Give full sun and shelter from cold winds. Water deeply but infrequently, letting the top layer dry slightly between waterings, especially in pots. Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow‑release fertiliser; avoid high nitrogen that pushes leafy growth at the expense of fruit. Prune lightly after the main crop to maintain shape and preserve fruiting wood. Companion with lavender, thyme, borage, and calendula to support pollinators and extend the edible season.

Cultivar-specific

‘Mojo Berry’ is distinct for its remontant habit, fruiting on both old and current‑season wood for an unusually long picking window. Its genetic dwarf stature suits containers and tight beds without complex training. Self‑fertile and often early bearing, it offers high yield per square metre with modest care. Combine its compact form, reliable cropping, and urban adaptability, and you have a standout mulberry for modern small‑space gardening.

The Dwarf Mulberry ‘Mojo Berry’ – Morus rotundiloba ‘Mojo Berry’® is a compact, self‑fertile fruit shrub designed for containers, patios, and small gardens. Remarkably remontant, it fruits on both old wood and new growth, delivering a steady harvest from late spring into autumn. The glossy black berries are juicy, aromatic, and subtly tangy—perfect for snacking, jams, desserts, and syrups. Culture is straightforward: provide full sun, well‑drained soil, and moderate watering, especially in pots. A light prune in late winter or after the main crop maintains an open frame and preserves fruiting wood. Hardy to around -15 °C in the ground, protect the rootball in containers during extended freezes. Ecologically beneficial, the modest bloom supports pollinators, while the fruit feeds urban wildlife, enhancing biodiversity. Pair with lavender and borage to boost nectar and create a productive, attractive edible display. With its dwarf habit, long season, and low maintenance, ‘Mojo Berry’ is a reliable choice for growers seeking abundant soft fruit without large space or heavy upkeep—an ideal, modern mulberry for balconies, courtyards, and compact family gardens.