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Proven Winners®

INCREDIBALL STORM PROOF™ Smooth Hydrangea

Name: INCREDIBALL STORM PROOF™ Smooth Hydrangea
Brand: Proven Winners
SKU: 22924
Price: 26.49 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.92 (12 reviews)

Hydrangea arborescens 'SMNHAGOV'

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

$84⁵⁸

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

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 to 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, Toxic to horses
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, PR

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.

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Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

hydrandeas

Thank you. They are doing so well!

Incrediball Storm Proof is a great one to watch grow. Those big blooms on sturdy stems really do hold up well once the plant settles in. Thanks for the update, Louise, and happy growing!

Steady performer

This plant performs each and every year for me.

Steady performer

This plant performs each and every year for me.

Hi Ty,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Incrediball® Blush Hydrangea! It’s wonderful to hear that this steady performer consistently blooms beautifully for you year after year. These hydrangeas truly have a knack for delivering reliable color and grace, making them such a valuable addition to any garden.

If you ever want to give your Incrediball® Hydrangea an extra boost, remember that pruning them after blooming and making sure they have well-drained, fertile soil can help keep them healthy and vigorous for seasons to come. Feel free to reach out if you’d like any specific care tips — we’re always happy to support your growing success.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Large flowers

The Incrediball Blush produces one of the largest flowers I have ever grown. It is glorious.

Hi Lanie,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Incrediball® Blush Hydrangea! We’re thrilled to hear it’s producing such large and glorious flowers in your garden. These hydrangeas are truly a showstopper, and it’s always a joy to know they’re flourishing so beautifully!

If you’re looking to maintain or enhance those spectacular blooms, be sure to provide your Incrediball® Blush with plenty of afternoon shade and striaght consistent watering—this can help keep the flowers vibrant throughout the season. We also recommend mulching around the base to retain moisture and protect roots from temperature fluctuations.

If you ever want to build a complementary display or need tips on pruning and care, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to help you keep your garden flourishing.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Beautiful and big

My Incrediball hydrangea had flowers that were 11.4 inches across. Amazing! Love them! Thanks.

Hello Suzegirl1,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Proven Winners® Incrediball® Hydrangea! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that your hydrangea blooms are impressively large—11.4 inches across is truly incredible and such a beautiful showcase of its potential. It’s fantastic to know you’re loving the flowers!

To help keep your hydrangea thriving and those stunning blooms coming back year after year, remember hydrangeas appreciate consistently moist, well-drained soil, along with partial to full sun depending on your climate. If you care for blooms and wonder about uplifting colors or cutting techniques for arrangements, we’re always here to offer tips.

Thank you for trusting Nature Hills with your planting adventures—we hope to assist with many more garden successes nationwide.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Beautiful and big

My Incrediball hydrangea had flowers that were 11.4 inches across. Amazing! Love them! Thanks.

Dear Suzegirl1,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Proven Winners® Incrediball® Hydrangea! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that your flowers are an impressive 11.4 inches across—that is truly breathtaking. These hydrangeas are known for their extraordinary size and beauty, and it’s always rewarding to know they’ve found such a happy home in your garden.

To help keep your Incrediball blooming big and vibrant year after year, make sure it gets plenty of morning sun and afternoon shade, with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Regular watering during dry spells will also keep those blooms looking amazing! If you ever want tips on pruning to encourage next season’s blossoms or fertilizer recommendations, we’d be happy to assist.

Thanks again for your lovely review—your enthusiasm makes our job so rewarding.

Grow beautifully,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Flower size

Love this Incrediball hydrangea. I have the biggest flowers around.

Hello Tood Boy,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Proven Winners® Incrediball® Hydrangea! It’s wonderful to hear that your hydrangea is producing such big, beautiful blooms—those stunning flowers truly make a bold statement in any garden. If you’re looking to maintain those impressive flower sizes, be sure to provide ample water during dry spells and consider a balanced fertilizer in spring to support vigorous growth. We’re delighted your plant is thriving and hope it continues to bring you joy as it grows.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Flower size

Love this Incrediball hydrangea. I have the biggest flowers around.

Hello Tood B.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Proven Winners® Incrediball® Hydrangea! We’re delighted to hear that yours is flourishing with impressively large flowers—that variety truly is a spectacular choice for big, bold blooms.

To keep those stunning blossoms vibrant year after year, be sure to provide it with consistent moisture and feed it with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Pruning immediately after the flowering period will help encourage next year’s blooms. If you haven’t yet, you might also appreciate mixing in some mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Thank you again for your kind feedback. If you ever have questions about caring for your hydrangea or want tips on complementary plants, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Blooms on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Bigger IS Better!

The Incrediball is amazing! I have never seem balls of blooms this large. Friends and neighbors are in awe!

Hello Joy69,

Thank you so much for sharing your enthusiastic experience with the Proven Winners® Incrediball® Hydrangea! We’re delighted to hear that the blooms are not only thriving but also impressing your friends and neighbors. Those large, beautiful flower clusters really do make a statement, and it sounds like your garden is truly shining!

If you ever want to keep those gorgeous blooms growing bigger each season, we recommend feeding your hydrangea with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and ensuring it gets consistent watering. Also, beenching in some mulch can help retain moisture and improve soil quality. If you have any other questions about plant care or want to explore more stellar varieties like the Incrediball®, feel free to reach out—our experts are always here to help.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Bigger IS Better!

The Incrediball is amazing! I have never seem balls of blooms this large. Friends and neighbors are in awe!

Dear Joy69,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Proven Winners® Incrediball® Hydrangea! We're thrilled to hear that the massive blooms are creating such a stunning impact in your garden—and that even your friends and neighbors are admiring them. It truly is a standout plant, and your enthusiasm brightens our day!

To keep your Incrediball® thriving and blooming beautifully season after season, make sure to provide it with plenty of sunlight—ideally morning sun and afternoon shade—and consistently moist, well-drained soil. Avoid harsh pruning to preserve those spectacular blooms; instead, prune lightly after the flowering period. If you'd like, we have helpful care guides and tips on our website to help make your gardening journey even easier.

Thanks again for your kind words and for choosing Nature Hills. We're delighted to be a part of your gardening success!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Biggest flowers ever seen

These flowers are as big as basketballs. They are huge! Very happy with what I bought here.

Dear Flo B.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Proven Winners® Incrediball® Hydrangea! We’re thrilled to hear your flowers have grown to such impressive sizes — basketball-sized blooms are truly a sight to behold. Your happiness with your purchase means a lot to us.

To keep enjoying those amazing hydrangea blooms, we recommend providing consistent moisture and ensuring the plant gets partial sun, ideally about 4 to 6 hours a day. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, supporting those grand blossoms even further. If you ever want tips on seasonal care or pruning advice to encourage next year’s bigger flowers, we’re just a message away.

Thanks again for your enthusiastic feedback. It’s customers like you who make our work so rewarding!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Biggest flowers ever seen

These flowers are as big as basketballs. They are huge! Very happy with what I bought here.

Dear FloBee,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your Proven Winners® Incrediball® Hydrangea is blooming with flowers as big as basketballs—that’s exactly the kind of spectacular growth we hope for our customers to enjoy. These hydrangeas truly are show-stoppers, and with the right care, they can remain vibrant and full season after season.

As a tip to keep those stunning blooms coming: ensuring your plant receives plenty of morning sun and adequate water during dry spells will help it thrive even more. Also, consider some regular feeding with an acid-forming fertilizer if you want to maintain those rich colors and healthy flower size. We have wonderful growing guides on our website if you want detailed tips tailored just for Hydrangeas.

Thanks again for sharing your joy with your new plant! We’re rooting for even more beautiful seasons ahead in your garden.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

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.

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INCREDIBALL STORM PROOF™ Smooth Hydrangea