INCREDIBALL STORM PROOF™ Smooth Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens 'SMNHAGOV'

Proven Winners®

Hardy in zones 3-9 with extra-sturdy stems engineered to hold massive white blooms upright through summer storms Produces dinner plate-sized white flower heads up to 12 inches across from early summer through early fall Compact 4-5 ft size fits perfectly in foundation plantings, borders, or containers without overwhelming smaller spaces Blooms on new wood so you can prune hard in spring and still enjoy abundant flowers the same season

$26¹⁴

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Plant Size

Quart Container #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in full sun for maximum flowering, or morning sun with afternoon shade in hot climates. Plants in too much shade produce fewer, smaller blooms and may still have some stem lean despite the improved structure.

Soil: Best in rich, organic soil that stays consistently moist but drains well. For clay soil, work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting. Sandy soil benefits from additional peat moss or compost to retain moisture. Hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH but tolerate a wide range.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply 2-3 times per week during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Mature plants need consistent moisture, especially during bloom time, requiring about 1 inch of water weekly from rain or irrigation. Wilting leaves signal water stress, which reduces flower size and can cause premature bloom drop.

Pruning Tips

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Cut stems back to 12-18 inches above ground to encourage sturdy new growth and the largest possible blooms. Because this hydrangea blooms on new wood, aggressive spring pruning actually improves the flower display and keeps plants compact without sacrificing the current season's blooms.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs or acid-loving plants. A second light application in early summer supports the extended bloom period. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers and can make stems weaker despite their storm-proof breeding.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Attracts pollinators, Shade Tolerant, Fast-growing, Drought resistant
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	4-5 ft
Width	4-5 ft
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Fast
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Spreading
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Hydrangea
Botanical Name	Hydrangea arborescens 'SMNHAGOV'
Species	arborescens
Cultivar	SMNHAGOV
Class	Magnoliopsida, Cornales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT

INCREDIBALL STORM PROOF Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'SMNHAGOV') solves the biggest complaint about large-flowered hydrangeas: flopping stems that collapse under the weight of massive blooms or buckle in summer thunderstorms. This improved smooth hydrangea features thicker, sturdier stems that keep those spectacular white flower heads standing tall from June through September, even after heavy rain.

Enormous Blooms That Actually Stand Up

The flower heads on this hydrangea reach an impressive 12 inches across, rivaling the original Incrediball but on a plant with significantly stronger stems. Each bloom starts lime green in bud, opens to pure white, then ages to a soft jade green in fall. The sheer size of these flowers creates dramatic impact in the garden, and because they stay upright on their stems, you get the full visual effect from across the yard rather than having to lift drooping branches to appreciate them.

Compact Size, Big Performance

Unlike some smooth hydrangeas that grow rangy and oversized, INCREDIBALL STORM PROOF maintains a tidy 4-5 ft height and width. This manageable size makes it ideal for foundation plantings where you need substantial presence without blocking windows, mixed borders where it provides midsummer structure, or even large containers on patios. The naturally rounded form requires minimal shaping to look polished.

Reliable in Cold Climates

Smooth hydrangeas bloom on new wood, which means INCREDIBALL STORM PROOF flowers reliably even in zone 3 where harsh winters kill stems to the ground. Each spring, vigorous new stems emerge and produce flowers the same season. This dependability makes it a better choice than big-leaf hydrangeas in northern gardens where flower bud hardiness is unreliable. In warmer zones, the plant develops more substantial woody structure while maintaining its compact habit.

Easy Care for Beginning and Experienced Gardeners

This hydrangea forgives mistakes that would damage other flowering shrubs. Prune it hard in spring for bushier growth and larger blooms, or skip pruning entirely and it still performs. It tolerates part shade, handles clay soil with some amendment, and establishes quickly. Deer typically leave hydrangeas alone, and the long bloom season means months of garden interest with a single plant. The white flowers also make excellent fresh or dried arrangements, and the sturdy stems mean cut flowers last longer in the vase.

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Incrediball Storm Proof™ Smooth Hydrangea suitable for?

INCREDIBALL STORM PROOF thrives in USDA zones 3-8, flowering reliably even where harsh winters kill stems to the ground. Since it blooms on new wood, cold damage doesn't affect flowering. Choose this over big-leaf hydrangeas in northern zones 3-5 for guaranteed blooms.

What is the mature height and width of Incrediball Storm Proof™ Smooth Hydrangea?

INCREDIBALL STORM PROOF reaches a mature size of 4-5 feet tall and wide, maintaining a naturally rounded, compact form. This manageable size makes it perfect for foundation plantings without blocking windows or fitting into mixed borders. Shop at Nature Hills for this tidy hydrangea that delivers big blooms without taking over your garden.

Does Incrediball Storm Proof™ Smooth Hydrangea really hold up in heavy rain and storms without flopping?

Yes, the thicker, sturdier stems on Incrediball Storm Proof keep those massive 12-inch flower heads upright through summer thunderstorms. This addresses the main weakness of large-flowered hydrangeas whose heavy blooms typically collapse under their own weight or buckle in rain. Plant it where you want reliable vertical structure from June through September.

What are the planting instructions for Incrediball Storm Proof™ Smooth Hydrangea, including soil type and pH?

Plant in well-draining soil with morning sun and afternoon shade for best performance. This adaptable hydrangea tolerates pH from 5.0-7.5 and thrives in zones 3-8. Space plants 4-5 feet apart to accommodate mature size. Water deeply at planting and mulch around the base.

How much sun does Incrediball Storm Proof™ Smooth Hydrangea need—full sun, part sun, or shade?

Incrediball Storm Proof thrives in part sun to light shade, needing 4-6 hours of morning sun daily. Too much afternoon sun can stress the plant and fade the white blooms. Plant it where it gets morning light but afternoon protection for best performance.

How often should I water Incrediball Storm Proof™ Smooth Hydrangea, especially when newly planted?

Water newly planted Incrediball Storm Proof™ daily for the first 2-3 weeks, then 2-3 times weekly through the first growing season. Once established, this hydrangea tolerates some drought but performs best with consistent moisture during its June-September bloom period.

Do I need to prune Incrediball Storm Proof™ Smooth Hydrangea, and when is the best time?

Pruning is optional since INCREDIBALL STORM PROOF maintains its naturally rounded 4-5 ft form with minimal shaping needed. Since it blooms on new wood, you can prune anytime from late fall through early spring without affecting flowers. For best results, prune in late winter before new growth begins.

What fertilizer is best for Incrediball Storm Proof™ Smooth Hydrangea?

A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer applied in early spring works well for smooth hydrangeas like Incrediball Storm Proof. Since it blooms on new wood from June through September, feed once when new growth emerges. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote weak, floppy growth.

Is Incrediball Storm Proof™ Smooth Hydrangea deer or rabbit resistant?

Smooth hydrangeas like Incrediball Storm Proof are generally not deer or rabbit resistant, as these animals often browse the tender stems and foliage. However, the plant's vigorous spring growth from zone 3-9 means it can recover quickly from browsing damage. Consider protective fencing or deer repellent if wildlife pressure is heavy in your area.

Can Incrediball Storm Proof™ Smooth Hydrangea be grown in containers or pots?

Yes, INCREDIBALL STORM PROOF can be grown successfully in large containers on patios. Its compact 4-5 ft size and sturdy stems make it well-suited for container growing. Use a substantial pot and ensure consistent watering during the growing season.