Highbush Blueberry 'Top Hat'

‘Top Hat’ Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Top Hat’). Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Top Hat’, commonly known as the ‘Top Hat’ dwarf blueberry, is a small deciduous fruit shrub with a very compact and rounded habit, ideal for growing in pots, on balconies or at the edge of flowerbeds. In spring, it is covered with delicate, slightly fragrant, pinkish-white bell-shaped flowers that are melliferous and ornamental. In summer, it produces an abundance of medium-sized, firm, sweet, dark blue blueberries with a mild, well-balanced flavor, perfect for fresh consumption. Its bright green foliage turns fiery red in autumn, offering additional ornamental appeal.

To plant the ‘Top Hat’ highbush blueberry, choose a suitable exposure: sun. The recommended soil is: acidic, rich in organic matter, well-drained. These plants require acidic soil and regular moisture. Check the pH before choosing amendments: foliage color is not sufficient to diagnose a precise need. Avoid liming and protect superficial roots when weeding. Water the root ball before planting and ensure that water can drain after planting. During establishment, check the moisture by hand before watering again.

Allow a width of 60 cm (24 in) to arrange the plant's space in the garden. The indicated height of 60 cm (24 in) helps in choosing its position relative to neighboring plants. Keep access to the base for weeding, checking moisture, and removing damaged parts. Associate this variety with plants whose light and water needs are compatible. If you are considering a container, first check that its volume and drainage are suitable for root development. Roots in pots are more exposed to cold than those planted in the ground.