{"product_id":"vaccinium-corymbosum-top-hat","title":"Nízký a plodný borůvka - Vaccinium corymbosum 'Top Hat'","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"break-words\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVaccinium corymbosum 'Top Hat'\u003c\/strong\u003e, also known as \"Highbush Top Hat\" (Highbush Blueberry), is a cultivar of blueberry from the Ericaceae family, notable for its compact size, sweet fruits, and ornamental appearance. Developed in North America, this deciduous shrub is ideal for small gardens, terraces, or containers, combining culinary use with the decorative beauty of its foliage and flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eAppearance of leaves, flowers, and fruits\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-secondary\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeaves\u003c\/strong\u003e: The leaves are small, oval, a \u003cstrong\u003edark green\u003c\/strong\u003e, glossy, measuring 2-4 cm in length. In autumn, they turn into attractive shades of \u003cstrong\u003ered, orange, and bronze\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing a vibrant decorative effect.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers\u003c\/strong\u003e: In \u003cstrong\u003elate spring\u003c\/strong\u003e (May), bell-shaped flowers of a \u003cstrong\u003ecream-white\u003c\/strong\u003e color appear, grouped in small clusters. The flowers are delicate and attractive to pollinators, especially bees.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruits\u003c\/strong\u003e: The fruits are \u003cstrong\u003esmall to medium blueberries\u003c\/strong\u003e, of a \u003cstrong\u003edeep blue\u003c\/strong\u003e color, with a firm texture and a \u003cstrong\u003esweet, slightly tart\u003c\/strong\u003e taste, perfect for fresh consumption, desserts, or freezing. They ripen in \u003cstrong\u003emid-summer\u003c\/strong\u003e (July), forming compact clusters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eGrowth characteristics\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-secondary\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight and width\u003c\/strong\u003e: It grows as a dwarf, compact shrub, reaching only \u003cstrong\u003e50-60 cm in height\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e40-50 cm in width\u003c\/strong\u003e, being one of the smallest blueberry varieties, ideal \u003cstrong\u003efor limited spaces or pot planting\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVigor\u003c\/strong\u003e: It has a slow to moderate growth rate, forming a round, dense bush with a neat appearance, similar to a ball.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e: It is a deciduous shrub with fine stems, which does not produce many shoots from the roots, maintaining a well-defined shape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eGrowing conditions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-secondary\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExposure\u003c\/strong\u003e: Prefers \u003cstrong\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e for optimal fruiting but also tolerates \u003cstrong\u003epartial shade\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a slightly reduced yield. A location sheltered from strong winds protects the flowers and fruits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e: Requires \u003cstrong\u003eacidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5)\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003erich in organic matter\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ewell drained\u003c\/strong\u003e but moisture-retentive. Adding peat, pine needles, or acidic compost is essential to maintain the optimal pH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering\u003c\/strong\u003e: Needs regular watering, especially during flowering and fruiting, to prevent soil drying. A layer of organic mulch (e.g., bark or pine needles) helps retain moisture and protect the roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePollination\u003c\/strong\u003e: It is \u003cstrong\u003eself-fertile\u003c\/strong\u003e, producing fruit without needing another variety, but cross-pollination with other blueberry varieties (e.g., 'Bluecrop' or 'Darrow') can increase the quantity and quality of the harvest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eCare and resistance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-secondary\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e: It withstands temperatures down to \u003cstrong\u003e-25°C\u003c\/strong\u003e (zones 4-8), making it suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. The shallow roots may require mulch for protection during harsh winters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizing\u003c\/strong\u003e: Apply a fertilizer for acid-loving plants (e.g., for azaleas or rhododendrons) in early spring, in moderate amounts, to avoid excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePruning\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pruning is minimal due to the compact size. In the first years, remove flowers to encourage root development. From the third year, prune in \u003cstrong\u003eFebruary-March\u003c\/strong\u003e the dry or weak branches to maintain shape and encourage fruiting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePests and diseases\u003c\/strong\u003e: It is resistant to most problems but can be affected by gray mold or insects such as aphids. Good ventilation and drainage prevent diseases. Fruits may attract birds, and protective nets are useful.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife\u003c\/strong\u003e: The flowers support pollinators like bees, and the fruits are eaten by birds (e.g., starlings, thrushes) and small mammals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eUses\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"break-words\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVaccinium corymbosum 'Top Hat'\u003c\/strong\u003e is ideal for \u003cstrong\u003esmall gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eterrace containers\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cstrong\u003eornamental borders\u003c\/strong\u003e due to its compact size and decorative appearance. It can be used in decorative pots, window boxes, or as an accent plant in cottage gardens or minimalist landscapes. The fruits are perfect for fresh eating, snacks, desserts, or freezing, while the autumn foliage and flowers add aesthetic value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"break-words\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eVaccinium corymbosum, the species to which \u003cstrong\u003e'Top Hat' Blueberry\u003c\/strong\u003e belongs, is native to eastern North America, where it grows in swamps, acidic forests, and wet areas. The 'Top Hat' Blueberry cultivar was developed in the USA, at Michigan State University, in the 1980s, as a hybrid between a wild dwarf blueberry and a highbush blueberry, selected for its small stature, quality fruits, and adaptability to container growing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"break-words\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Top Hat' Blueberry\u003c\/strong\u003e is a remarkable dwarf blueberry that combines sweet fruits, compactness, and decorative autumn foliage. With simple care – acidic soil, sun, and regular watering – this shrub is perfect for small spaces, offering tasty harvests and an attractive aesthetic. It is ideal for gardeners who want an edible and ornamental plant suitable for terraces, balconies, or minimalist gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"break-words\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHeight with pot included: approx. 50 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Secret Garden Outdoor","offers":[{"title":"17 cm pot","offer_id":54430098456902,"sku":"","price":248.0,"currency_code":"CZK","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0558\/5551\/3798\/files\/Afin_top_hat.jpg?v=1745923493","url":"https:\/\/secretgarden.ro\/en-cz\/products\/vaccinium-corymbosum-top-hat","provider":"Secret Garden Plant Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}