Toy Soldier
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Toy Soldier'
In growth
JFMAMJJASOND
In bloom
JFMAMJJASOND
Planting Guide
| Spacing | 4-5 ft apart |
|---|---|
| Planting depth | Crown at soil level |
| Chilling hours | 600 |
| Life expectancy | 15-20 years |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Planted | 2023 |
| Bed | To Be Sorted |
Growing Conditions
| Sun | Partial Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High |
| Soil type | Rich, well-draining loams |
| Soil pH | 5.0 - 6.5 |
| Zones | 5-9 |
| Native status | Cultivar |
Appearance
| Type | Shrub |
|---|---|
| Leaf | Ovate (Egg-shaped) |
| Foliage colour | Dark green |
| Bloom | Blue or Pink (dependent on soil pH) |
| Fruit | Capsule |
| Evergreen | Deciduous |
Root System
| System | Fibrous/Adventitious Systems |
|---|---|
| Morphology | Mixed Fine & Coarse |
| Function | Mixed Orders |
| Propagation | Softwood cuttings in summer |
Wildlife & Safety
| Attracts | Bees |
|---|---|
| Deer | Not Resistant |
| Toxicity | Toxic to Dogs/Cats |
| Edibility | Inedible |
| Companions | Hostas, Astilbe, Ferns |
Where it came from
| Grower | Blooming Easy |
|---|---|
| Bought at | Kulak's Nursery |
Care
Needs afternoon shade to avoid leaf scorch. Keep consistently watered.
Maintenance
Blooms on old and new wood (remontant). Prune only dead wood in early spring.
Cleanup
Late Fall - leave dried flower heads on the plant for winter interest and frost protection of buds.
Notes
Clifton Park NY (Zone 5b) provides ample chilling hours (1000+). Add aluminum sulfate to maintain blue blooms.