Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn

Elaeagnus × ebbingei 'NCEX1'

Proven Winners®

Hardy in zones 6-9, tolerates poor soil, pollution, salt spray, and deer browsing with minimal care
Thornless branches with silvery-green evergreen foliage provide year-round color and texture in the landscape
Fragrant white flowers bloom in fall when few other shrubs are flowering, attracting late-season pollinators
Compact 4-6 ft size works perfectly for hedges, borders, or as premium cut foliage for arrangements

$26¹⁵

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 4-6 hours of direct sun for best growth and flowering. Tolerates partial shade but may grow slightly more open in shadier locations.

Soil: Extremely adaptable to various soil types including poor, sandy, or clay soils. Prefers well-drained conditions but tolerates average garden soil. Avoid consistently wet or waterlogged areas.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply once or twice weekly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Mr. Smooth® Seedless is remarkably drought tolerant and typically needs water only during extended dry periods. Overwatering can lead to root issues, so let soil dry between waterings.

Pruning Tips

Minimal pruning needed. This shrub maintains its naturally dense, mounded shape without regular shearing. If you want to control size or shape the plant, prune anytime from late winter through mid-summer. Avoid pruning in late summer or early fall if you want to enjoy the fragrant fall blooms.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring if desired, though this adaptable shrub thrives even in poor soils. A light application of compost around the base provides gentle nutrients without encouraging excessive soft growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote foliage at the expense of the plant's natural compact habit.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn (Elaeagnus × ebbingei 'NCEX1') solves one of the biggest complaints about traditional silverthorn shrubs: those vicious thorns that grab at clothing and skin. This Proven Winners® selection delivers all the best qualities of silverthorn with beautifully smooth, thornless branches you can prune and handle without battle scars.

Year-Round Silvery Beauty

The silvery-green evergreen foliage catches light throughout the year, adding a soft shimmer to the landscape even in the depths of winter. Each leaf has a distinctive metallic sheen on the underside that creates movement and visual interest when breezes rustle the branches. Unlike deciduous shrubs that leave gaps in winter, Mr. Smooth® maintains its dense, full appearance through all four seasons.

Unexpected Fall Fragrance

Just when most shrubs are winding down for the season, this silverthorn surprises with clusters of small, creamy-white flowers tucked beneath the foliage in fall. The blooms release a sweet, jasmine-like fragrance that's especially noticeable on warm autumn afternoons. Late-season pollinators, including bees and beneficial insects preparing for winter, appreciate this unexpected nectar source when few other plants are flowering.

Tough Enough for Difficult Spots

Mr. Smooth® Seedless thrives where other shrubs struggle. It shrugs off deer browsing, tolerates salt spray in coastal gardens, and handles urban pollution without complaint. Poor soil? No problem. This is the shrub you plant in that challenging spot near the driveway or along a busy street where nothing else seems to survive. The dense, evergreen habit also provides excellent screening and privacy year-round.

Perfect for Hedges and Cut Foliage

The naturally compact 4-6 ft size and dense branching make Mr. Smooth® ideal for low hedges or border plantings where you need year-round structure. Space plants 4-5 ft apart for a seamless hedge that fills in quickly. The silvery branches also make stunning cut foliage for arrangements, adding texture and long-lasting greenery to bouquets. Unlike thorny silverthorn, you can harvest these branches without gloves.

This non-invasive selection won't produce the messy, invasive seedlings that plague some older silverthorn varieties. You get all the landscape value with none of the maintenance headaches. Whether you're looking for a tough evergreen hedge, a pollution-tolerant street-side planting, or simply a low-maintenance shrub with year-round appeal, Mr. Smooth® Seedless delivers exceptional performance in zones 6-9.

Botanical Name

Elaeagnus × ebbingei 'NCEX1'
Class
- Magnoliopsida
Species

x ebbingei
Cultivar

NCEX1
Growing Zones

6-9
Height

4-6 ft
Width

4-6 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- White
Leaf Color
- Green
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Fall, Late Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, AZ, HI, ID, MT, PR, WA

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Growing Zones 6-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn suitable for?

Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn is hardy in USDA zones 7-9. This evergreen shrub maintains its silvery foliage year-round in these temperate to mild winter regions. Plant it in fall or early spring for best establishment.

How tall and wide does Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn grow at maturity?

Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide at maturity. This naturally compact size makes it perfect for low hedges and border plantings. Space plants 4-5 feet apart for seamless screening that fills in quickly, available at naturehills.com.

Is Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn really thornless and seedless?

Yes, this variety is completely thornless with smooth branches that are safe to prune and handle. As a seedless selection, it won't produce messy fruit or unwanted seedlings. You can confidently plant it near walkways or use it for hedging without worrying about thorns catching clothing.

What are the planting zones for Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn in cold climates?

Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn is hardy in USDA zones 7-9. This evergreen silverthorn needs protection from harsh winter winds and temperatures below 0°F. Plant in a sheltered location in zone 7 for best winter survival.

What are the care requirements for watering Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn after planting?

Water deeply twice weekly for the first month, then reduce to weekly watering as this drought-tolerant shrub establishes. Mr. Smooth® handles poor conditions once established, making it perfect for challenging spots. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy plants that establish quickly.

How much sun does Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn need—full sun or part shade?

Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn performs well in both full sun and partial shade conditions. This adaptable shrub tolerates a wide range of light exposures, making it versatile for different garden locations. For best foliage density and flowering, aim for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

How is Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn shipped—bare root or potted?

Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn ships in containers, not bare root. This evergreen shrub establishes quickly from potted plants since the root system remains intact during shipping. Plant your containerized shrub any time during the growing season for best results.

What is the mature size of Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn for hedging?

Mr. Smooth® reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide at maturity, making it ideal for low hedges and border plantings. The naturally compact, dense branching habit provides excellent year-round screening. Space plants 4-5 feet apart for a seamless hedge that fills in quickly.

Is Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn deer resistant and hardy against pests?

Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn is highly deer resistant and shrugs off browsing pressure that damages other shrubs. It also tolerates urban pollution, salt spray, and other environmental stresses without issue. Plant it in challenging locations where deer are problematic and other shrubs struggle to survive.

Can Mr. Smooth® Seedless Thornless Silverthorn handle poor soil, salt, and pollution?

Mr. Smooth® Seedless handles poor soil, salt spray, and urban pollution exceptionally well. This tough silverthorn thrives in challenging locations where other shrubs fail. Plant it in difficult spots like driveways or busy streets for reliable evergreen screening.