H. ‘Toy Soldier’
Hosta ‘Toy Soldier’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2000 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-4b (Small) |
Overview
A sport of *Hosta* 'Blue Cadet' registered in 2000, 'Toy Soldier' is a small, fast-growing cultivar distinguished by its medium blue-green leaves with creamy white margins and a prominent glaucous bloom on both surfaces. The cordate leaves, measuring 4 inches long and 3 inches wide with 6 to 7 vein pairs, form a dense, mound-like plant reaching 10 inches in height and 24 inches in diameter.
In the Garden
'Toy Soldier' performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue-green foliage and white margins remain most vibrant. With a mature spread of 24 inches and height of 10 inches, it functions well as a groundcover or edging plant in shaded borders, and its compact size makes it suitable for container cultivation. Companion plants include ferns, *Heuchera*, or other small hostas with contrasting leaf colors.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While generally low-maintenance, monitor for slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 24 in (61 cm) |
| Leaf length | 4 in (10.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 7 |
| Leaf | glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath |
| Flower scape height | 18–22 in (45.7–55.9 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Blue Cadet' — H. ‘Blue Cadet’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-4b, small size):
- H. ‘Sydney's Spunk’ (2007)
- H. ‘August Fire’ (2008)
- H. ‘Blue Ivory’ (2009)
- H. ‘Dew Drop’ (1988)
- H. ‘Bold Edger’ (1983)
- H. ‘Allan P. McConnell’ (1980)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5792