Morus alba Platinifolia (Parasol shape)

Inspired by similar shaped trees in continental piazzas, we grow Morus alba Platinifolia as a natural headed umbrella shape to provide much needed shade on blistering summer days for pedestrian/urban areas. Its green glossy leaves form a dense crown and we grow this type with a 1.9-2m clear stem to create a living parasol.

Other nurseries grow this as a so called ‘flat top’ with a horizontal bamboo frame straight jacketing the crown but in reality, this tree is too vigorous to be kept in this way and the need for continual pruning would make its purpose uneconomic. Instead, we remove its leader to encourage its natural domed effect which requires very little ongoing maintenance. Thriving on most free draining soils it is a sun lover so a great choice for cooling down urban areas that get no relief from the sun. 

As we have to start the crown so high to fulfil its purpose it is only available as the finished article once it gets to about 20-25cm girth in one of our 250lt light pots.