Top Hat Blueberry Bush

Vaccinium 'Top Hat'

Plants that Work®

Dwarf Hybrid Blueberry Perfect for Containers with Prolific Mid-Season Fruit Production
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-7
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy White Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
Top Pick for Small groups in Edible Gardens

$40⁷⁰

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this dwarf shrub at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate a little shade, full sun exposure is the secret to getting the heaviest fruit set and the best fall foliage color.
Soil: Blueberries require acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 to thrive and uptake nutrients. If your soil is heavy clay or alkaline, mix in plenty of peat moss or pine bark, or simply plant this compact variety in a container with an acid-loving potting mix.

Watering Requirements

Because blueberries have shallow, fibrous root systems, they dry out faster than deep-rooted shrubs. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) during the first year to help the plant establish. Once established, inconsistent watering can lead to shriveled berries or fruit drop, so apply a 3-inch layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture during summer heat.

Pruning Tips

Prune in late winter while the plant is still dormant, just before new growth begins. Since 'Top Hat' is a dwarf hybrid, it requires very little maintenance; simply remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow. Every few years, you can thin out one or two of the oldest, thickest canes at ground level to encourage fresh, productive shoots.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply an acid-loving fertilizer, such as formulas designed for Azaleas or Rhododendrons, in early spring as the buds begin to swell. Stop fertilizing after July to avoid pushing soft, new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first winter frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

A perfect container plant, the Top Hat Blueberry bush (Vaccinium 'Top Hat') brings flavor and ornamental quality to your landscape. It will grow fast to fill out the pot for a gorgeous look! It can also be grown in-ground as well where it becomes the perfect garden border plant.

Top Hat is a self-pollinating dwarf hybrid Blueberry. It explodes with bell-shaped, plentiful white blossoms in spring that will be buzzing with pollinators. You'll definitely appreciate it as a prolific producer of dainty, sweet-flavored fruit that ripens in mid-season.

The berries are wonderful fresh off the bush or used in baked desserts. The medium to large-sized berries have a long hang time, so you can pick them at your convenience! From spring bloom to harvest, this plant is always performing. You'll love the wonderful display of fiery red bronze fall color. Top Hat's smaller size and perfect shape is even evident in the winter when it has lost all of its leaves.

Planting and Application:

It was actually selected at Michigan State University for its perfect shape. This special cross was done by the world-famous hybridizer, Dr. Stanley Johnston who you may know also created the fabulous Red Haven Peach. Top Hat was most likely crossed in the 1960s, though the full value would not be appreciated until the 1980s. This small, versatile Blueberry shrub looks great in containers. Bonsai enthusiasts love this plant. Top Hat will even produce flowers and fruit in a bonsai dish!

The absolute perfect shape of the Top Hat impressed all that viewed it in the early trials. This is a spherical bush with handsome, pointed leathery leaves and firm, sweet berries which sit on the outside of the plant. The cute berries really add to the ornamental and nutrient value with high vitamin and antioxidant content.

White Bell-Shaped Blooms
Pretty Pea-Sized Berries Grow Outside the Leaves
Nutritious, Delicious Berries & Fun to Grow
Self-Pollinating & Mid-Summer Harvest
Perfect Shape for Containers

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Blueberry bushes love full sun, and Top Hat can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Note that less sun can mean fewer of the lovely white flowers and fruit in cooler growing zones 4-7. The deciduous plants grow in a slightly acidic, well-drained location for your shrub, and blueberries require moderate, yet consistent moisture throughout the growing zone. Pruning info can be found here in our Garden Blog.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Acidic Well-Drained Soil
Moderate & Consistent Moisture
1,000-1,200 Chill Hours
Half Highbush Blueberries Ripen Mid-Season

Imagine picking your own healthy, delicious blueberries. It's a great experience for the whole family and you'll have plenty to share with friends. Eat them fresh or use them in place of wild blueberries for pies, muffins, cobblers, jams, preserves, and syrup. This superior Blueberry really delivers on charm, nutrition and taste. Order yours from NatureHills.com today!

Botanical Name

Vaccinium 'Top Hat'
Class

Magnoliopsida
Species

hybrid
Cultivar

Top Hat
Growing Zones

4-7
Height

1-2 ft
Width

1-2 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

White
Leaf Color

Green, Red, Orange
Fall Color

Orange & Red
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Spring, Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, CA, FL, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

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Growing Zones 4-7

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Top Hat Blueberry be grown in containers?

Top Hat Blueberry is actually an ideal container plant that was specifically selected for its perfect spherical shape. This dwarf variety grows fast to fill out pots and even produces fruit in bonsai dishes. Choose a large container with good drainage for best results.

What soil pH does Top Hat Blueberry require?

Top Hat Blueberry thrives in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5-5.5. Like all blueberries, it needs well-draining, organic-rich soil to produce those sweet mid-season berries. Test your soil pH before planting and amend with sulfur or peat moss if needed.

Does Top Hat Blueberry need a pollinator plant?

No, Top Hat Blueberry is self-pollinating and doesn't require another plant for fruit production. This dwarf hybrid will produce berries on its own, though having other blueberry varieties nearby can increase yields. Plant it solo in containers or group with other varieties for maximum harvest.

When does Top Hat Blueberry produce fruit?

Top Hat Blueberry produces fruit in mid-summer, with berries ripening in mid-season after the spring white bell-shaped blooms. The berries have excellent hang time, so you can harvest them at your convenience rather than all at once. Pick them fresh for snacking or let them accumulate for baking projects.

What pot size is recommended for container growing?

A 5-gallon container or larger works best for Top Hat Blueberry bushes. This dwarf variety grows fast to fill out pots beautifully while producing abundant mid-season berries. Choose containers with drainage holes and use acidic potting mix for optimal growth when you shop at Nature Hills.