Hydrangea Toy Soldier™ Oakleaf Hydrangea

Toy Soldier™, an oakleaf hydrangea from Bloomin' Easy®, is a flowering deciduous shrub that grows to between 4 and 5 feet tall and wide. It blooms continuously in large pyramidal flower heads on old wood from summer through fall. The elongated clusters of white and green florets are held aloft large, deeply lobed, oak-like deep green leaves on sturdy stems. Although they make stunning cut flowers for fresh and dried arrangements, left in the garden, they're a valuable wildlife food source, attracting butterflies and beneficial insects in summer, their seeds attracting songbirds in late fall as the foliage turns brilliant shades of rich vermillion red.

A Hydrangea quercifolia, commonly called oakleaf hydrangea, Toy Soldier is a rugged multi-stemmed, suckering shrub with an upright, broad-rounded habit. Easy to grow and maintain, it prefers morning sun and afternoon shade; fertile, moist, well-drained soil, and plenty of water. The plant requires 4 to 6 hours of full to dappled sun to reach its full potential and can tolerate more if kept well-watered; however, some dappled shade may be beneficial in hot climates. Toy Soldier is not only heat tolerant but also cold hardy to -20°F (-29°C).

A native plant, oakleaf hydrangeas are indigenous to the southeastern U.S. from Tennessee south to the Florida Panhandle and west to the Mississippi River. An understory shrub, it grows in moist areas and ravines in mixed hardwood forests and along stream banks. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.

Discover tips to ensure your hydrangeas thrive, from soil preparation to pruning techniques, by following our expert advice on the Hydrangea Planting and General Care Guide and the How to Prune Hydrangea Plants blog.