Paper Mulberry Tree Seeds - Broussonetia Papyrifera

Broussonetia papyrifera Seeds – Exotic, Fast-Growing Tree with Cultural & Botanical Heritage

Add a striking, fast-growing, and historically significant tree to your garden or greenhouse with our premium Broussonetia papyrifera seeds, also known as Paper Mulberry. This hardy deciduous tree is admired for its large, deeply lobed leaves, rapid growth, and fascinating history as one of the earliest plants cultivated for papermaking and fibre production in East Asia.

What is Broussonetia papyrifera?

Native to East Asia and widely introduced across the globe, Broussonetia papyrifera is a member of the Moraceae (mulberry) family, prized for its:

• Fast growth and exotic foliage

• Versatility in both tropical and temperate climates

• Historical use in traditional bark cloth and handmade paper

• Appeal as a landscape or specimen tree

With its unique foliage and cultural heritage, it’s perfect for plant collectors, botanical gardens, or anyone looking for a non-native ornamental tree with real character.

A Tree with Deep Cultural Roots

For over 2,000 years, the inner bark of Broussonetia papyrifera was used to make traditional washi paper in Japan, Hanji paper in Korea, and bark cloth (tapa) in Polynesia. It has spiritual and ceremonial significance across the Pacific Islands and is still used in traditional crafts today.

Introduced to Europe in the 18th century, the Paper Mulberry quickly gained popularity in botanical collections due to its exotic form, vigorous growth, and adaptability.

Seed Pack Contains:

• Cleaned, viable Broussonetia papyrifera seeds

• Enough to grow multiple specimens

• Sowing and germination help available from our team should you need it.

• Suitable for indoor propagation and outdoor transplanting

Growing Paper Mulberry from Seed in the UK

Though native to warmer regions, Paper Mulberry can be grown successfully in the UK with the right care. It thrives best as a greenhouse ornamental, conservatory tree, or sheltered specimen in southern UK microclimates.

When to Sow

• Best time to sow in the UK: February to May, under protection

• Seeds require stratification (a period of cold) and scarification prior to sowing for best germination

Germination Tips (UK-Specific)

Broussonetia papyrifera seeds have a tough outer coat and benefit from the following pre-treatment:

Germination Method:

• Scarify seeds lightly with sandpaper or nick the coat with a blade.

• Soak in warm water for 24–48 hours to soften the seed coat.

• Cold stratify by placing soaked seeds in moist vermiculite or sand in a sealed bag in the fridge (4°C) for 4–6 weeks.

• After stratification, sow in pots or seed trays using free-draining compost.

• Cover lightly – about 5mm deep.

• Maintain temperature of 20–25°C using a heated propagator or warm windowsill.

• Germination takes 2–6 weeks, sometimes longer.

Aftercare & Growth

• Transplant seedlings to individual pots when large enough to handle

• Harden off gradually before moving outdoors (if planting outside)

• Choose a sheltered, sunny location

• Protect young plants from frost in first 1–2 winters

• Fast-growing: can reach 3–5m in 3 years, up to 10–15m at maturity

• Responds well to pruning and shaping

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

• Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

• Hardiness: Down to approx. -5°C; protect in colder UK areas

Botanical & Ornamental Value

• Large, deeply lobed leaves resembling fig or mulberry

• Bright green foliage turns golden-yellow in autumn

• Distinctive silhouette with upright or spreading branches

• Dioecious (male and female flowers on separate trees)

• Small, orange-red fruit (if both sexes present)

Ecological Notes

• In some tropical regions, Broussonetia papyrifera is considered invasive – but in the UK, it remains a non-invasive, niche ornamental.

• Provides light shade, structure, and interest in large gardens or urban arboretums.

 

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