Hydrangea Oakleaf Toy Soldier

Hydrangea Oakleaf Toy Soldier

Common Name: Oakleaf Hydrangea

The Toy Soldier Hydrangea is a variety of oakleaf hydrangea, officially known as Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Bocotoso’, that boasts distinctive foliage and long-lasting blooms. White and green flowers bloom in cone-shaped clusters during the summer and fall. The lobed leaves resemble those of an oak tree and are a bright green hue throughout the growing season before transitioning to a deep red by fall.

The upright, branched growth habit of the Toy Soldier Hydrangea has a naturally rounded form. This perennial makes a wonderful specimen in a mixed border or can be used to create a stunning flowering hedge or foundation planting. The Toy Soldier Hydrangea grows in zones 5 through 9 and is at home in a woodland-inspired space.

Toy Soldier Hydrangea Care

Plant the Toy Soldier Hydrangea in full to part sun. The ideal spot will receive 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. Consistent moisture is vital to help these plants settle in and maintain their stunning flowers. This oakleaf cultivar prefers slightly acidic, rich, well-draining soil, like most hydrangeas. A thick layer of mulch will help retain moisture and protect against hot weather. The Toy Soldier Hydrangea is not a heavy feeder when grown in rich, acidic soil. Plants in alkaline soil will benefit from plant food formulated for acid lovers.

Prune the Toy Soldier Hydrangea every other year to control overgrowth and maintain a more pleasing shape. Remove crossed branches to keep the plant healthy and shapely. The Hydrangea quercifolia blooms on old wood, so prune in late summer or early fall after the flowers start to fade. Remove suckers or ground shoots to prevent this shrub from spreading.

Toy Soldier Hydrangea Spacing

The Toy Soldier Hydrangea is a sizable shrub that reaches 4 to 5 feet tall and wide. Space shrubs 4 feet apart when creating a hedge or allow more room so each plant can stand out and show off its naturally attractive form.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 – 9

Plant Type: Perennials

Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height: 4 – 5 Feet

Mature Spread: 4 – 5 Feet

Spacing: 4 – 5 Feet

Habit: Mounded

Flower Color(s): Green, White

Flower Description:

Bloom Period: Summer to Fall

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Foliage Color(s): Green, Red

Foliage Description: Green changing to Red in Autumn

Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering

Uses: Borders, Mass Planting

Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers