Illinois Mulberry hardiness - from cutting?

I live in a rural area near Toronto Canada and our winters can be pretty rough... Just ordered an Illinois Everbearing Mulberry that should do okay here, but I noticed the nursery has grafted it onto "Russian mulberry rootstock for hardiness".

I was really hoping to propagate from cutting. Does anybody have experience or info about how hardy this would be?

Is there a way to propagate the roots to create more rootstock so I could graft more copies if cuttings are not an option?

Thanks!

Hi Jay, Welcome to Permies!
I've only just planted my first mulberries so I don't know anything about them yet. They are supposed to take easily from cuttings, so you won't lose much by having a a go at propagating the top growth anyhow. Maybe they sell a hardier rootstock to cover colder areas in your state, or ship countrywide? Just a thought.
Hopefully someone else has more experience will chip in. I did find this thread discussing overwintering issues, but that was in a west coast, milder location.
One suggestion would be (assuming you get fruit) try propagating from seed - if you start with a hardy variety some of the babies will be just as hardy. Some will be less hardy of course so you will get losses too, but practically free and totally adapted survivors to your location - just a thought!

Thanks Nancy!

Yes, I agree, it certainly is worth a try! Maybe I'll have to also experiment with heavy mulch to insulate. I know these guys can be pretty tough but last winter was so gnarly I have doubts about it being up to the challenge haha.

If anyone else has given this a try please hit me up; could save me some time and headaches!