Hydrangea Oakleaf 'Toy Soldier™'

Toy Soldier™ is a mid-sized hydrangea with large white and green lacecap blooms held up on strong stems. Unlike most other hydrangeas, oakleaf varieties have beautiful fall foliage colours, giving them a long season of interest. Toy Soldier™ turns orange before changing to a rich orangey-red. The flowers can be cut for bouquets, dried, or left on as winter interest. This variety also resists leaf spot, which can be a common problem with oakleaf hydrangeas. 

Hydrangeas with lacecap blooms are very attractive to pollinators, as the fertile flowers with nectar are accessible to them and not hidden behind sterile florets. 

Like most hydrangeas, varieties appreciate moist soil and are not drought tolerant. However, they can be prone to root rot in heavy clay soils. If you live in Durham Region, your soil is more than likely clay. Applying organic matter like compost or manure can help break up clay, giving you better drainage. Plus, it will add nutrients back into your soil!