Mulberry 'Shangri La' (Morus alba x rubra)
Fast-Growing Florida Favorite with Giant, Juicy Berries
The Shangri-La Mulberry (Morus alba x rubra) is a top-tier fruiting tree known for producing huge, sweet-tart black berries on a tree that’s vigorous, fast-growing, and well-adapted to the South—especially Florida! Originally developed in Naples, Florida, this hybrid combines the cold hardiness of Morus rubra with the fruiting power of Morus alba, giving you the best of both worlds. It's one of our most fast-growing, high producing varieties here at the food forest.
The fruit resembles long, black raspberries, bursting with rich flavor and ripening over a long season in spring. Eaten fresh or made into jam, pies, juice, or wine, they’re a high-antioxidant superfruit you’ll want to snack on right off the branch. And this tree can start fruiting within a year or two—even in a container!
Shangri-La is one of the best mulberries for low-maintenance food forests, permaculture projects, chicken yards, and backyard orchards. It thrives in full sun, tolerates a wide range of soils, and responds well to pruning, making it easy to manage and harvest.
| Shop all of our Mulberry varieties. | |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Shangri-La Mulberry, Black Mulberry |
| Family | Moraceae (Mulberry Family) |
| Origin | Hybrid cultivar developed in Florida |
| Plant Type | Fruiting Tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Food Forest Layer | Canopy / Mid-Story Layer |
| Mature Size | 10–25 ft tall (can be pruned to shrub form) |
| Light | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Low to Moderate |
| Harvest Season | Spring (long fruiting season) |
| Time to Fruit | 1–2 years from planting |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Very Fast |
| Zones | USDA Zones 7–10 |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Cuttings, Grafted |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Deciduous; fruits on new growth |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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