Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae

Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae - Dwarf Globe Evergreen Shrub

Add year-round structure to your landscape without the constant trimming of a formal evergreen with Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae. This unique dwarf arborvitae naturally develops into a dense, rounded globe covered with soft, finely textured green foliage, giving it the appearance of a carefully shaped shrub without requiring regular pruning.

Unlike tall, columnar arborvitae varieties, Mr. Bowling Ball® stays compact and low to the ground, typically reaching only about 2-3 feet tall and wide. Its naturally symmetrical shape makes it an excellent alternative to traditional boxwoods for foundation plantings, low hedges, borders, entryways, containers, and smaller garden spaces.

The soft, lacy evergreen foliage maintains attractive color throughout the year, providing dependable structure through every season. Its slow growth rate and compact mature size make Mr. Bowling Ball® especially useful anywhere you want a neat evergreen accent that won't quickly outgrow its space.

Why You'll Love Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae

Naturally Rounded Shape: Develops its distinctive globe-like form naturally, requiring very little pruning to stay neat and compact.

Compact Mature Size: Typically reaches only about 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for smaller landscapes and foundation beds.

Year-Round Evergreen Color: Dense green foliage provides structure and color throughout every season.

Soft, Fine-Textured Foliage: Delicate, lacy foliage gives Mr. Bowling Ball® a softer appearance than many traditional arborvitae varieties.

Excellent Boxwood Alternative: Its rounded form and evergreen foliage make it a great option where a compact formal-looking shrub is desired.

Low Maintenance: Slow growth and a naturally symmetrical habit mean less trimming and shaping for the homeowner.

Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae Details

• Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis 'Bobozam'

• Common Name: Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae, American Arborvitae

• Plant Type: Dwarf evergreen conifer shrub

• Mature Height: Approximately 24-30 inches

• Mature Width: Approximately 24-30 inches

• Growth Habit: Dense, naturally rounded globe

• Growth Rate: Slow

• Foliage Color: Rich green with soft blue-green to silvery tones

• Foliage Texture: Fine, soft, lacy evergreen foliage

• Foliage Type: Evergreen

• Light: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil

• Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8

• Maintenance: Low

• Pruning: Minimal pruning generally required

• Year-Round Interest: Yes

Growing Conditions

Light Requirements: Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae performs best in full sun to partial shade. Plenty of sunlight encourages dense, compact growth, while some afternoon shade can be beneficial in especially hot summer climates.

Soil Requirements: Plant in fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Like other American arborvitae, Mr. Bowling Ball® performs best when the root zone receives consistent moisture without remaining waterlogged.

Water Requirements: Water regularly during the establishment period. Once established, continue providing supplemental water during prolonged hot or dry weather because arborvitae generally perform poorly when allowed to remain excessively dry.

Cold Hardiness: Hardy in USDA Zones 3-8, Mr. Bowling Ball® is exceptionally cold tolerant and provides evergreen structure throughout winter.

Hot-Climate Considerations: In warmer portions of its growing range, protection from intense afternoon sun and drying winds can help maintain healthy foliage.

Care Instructions

Watering: Water deeply after planting and maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the first growing season. Check newly planted shrubs regularly, particularly during hot, windy, or dry conditions.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release evergreen or shrub fertilizer in early spring if additional growth is desired.

Pruning: Very little pruning is required. Mr. Bowling Ball® naturally forms its distinctive rounded shape without shearing. If necessary, lightly trim stray growth to maintain the desired appearance.

Mulching: Apply approximately 1-2 inches of mulch over the root zone to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperatures, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from direct contact with the main stems.

Winter Care: Water thoroughly during dry fall weather before the ground freezes. Well-hydrated evergreen plants are better prepared for cold temperatures and drying winter winds.

Landscaping Uses

Foundation Plantings: The compact mature size makes Mr. Bowling Ball® an excellent choice beneath windows, around porches, and along foundations.

Low Hedges: Plant several together to create a low evergreen border without the frequent shearing associated with traditional formal hedges.

Boxwood Alternative: Its naturally rounded habit works beautifully anywhere you would typically use a compact boxwood for evergreen structure.

Entryways: Use matching plants on either side of an entrance, walkway, porch, or garden gate for a balanced, polished appearance.

Garden Borders: Place along sidewalks, patios, driveways, and planting-bed edges for year-round definition.

Containers: Its slow-growing, compact form works well in large decorative containers around patios, porches, and entryways.

Mixed Shrub Beds: Combine with hydrangeas, spirea, roses, ornamental grasses, flowering perennials, and colorful foliage shrubs for contrasting texture and form.

Small Gardens: Mr. Bowling Ball® provides evergreen structure without the mature height and width of traditional arborvitae, making it an excellent choice where planting space is limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

How large does Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae get?
Mr. Bowling Ball® typically grows approximately 24-30 inches tall and wide, eventually forming a compact, rounded evergreen shrub.

Is Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae naturally round?
Yes. Its globe-like shape develops naturally, which is one of the biggest advantages of this cultivar. Very little pruning is needed to maintain its rounded form.

Does Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae stay evergreen?
Yes. It is an evergreen conifer and retains its foliage throughout the year.

What color is Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae?
The foliage is primarily rich green, with its soft juvenile foliage sometimes displaying subtle silvery or blue-green tones.

Does Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae need full sun?
It performs well in full sun to partial shade. A sunny location generally encourages the densest growth, while afternoon shade can be helpful in hotter climates.

How fast does Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae grow?
It has a slow growth rate, which helps it maintain its compact size and makes it especially useful for smaller landscape spaces.

Does Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae need pruning?
Very little. Unlike shrubs that must be regularly sheared into a ball, this arborvitae naturally develops a rounded shape. Occasional light trimming is generally all that is needed.

How far apart should I plant Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae?
For individual specimens, space plants approximately 2½-3 feet apart on center to accommodate their mature width. They can be positioned somewhat closer when creating a continuous low hedge.

Can Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae be grown in containers?
Yes. Its dwarf size and slow growth make it an excellent evergreen for large containers. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering than those planted in the landscape.

Is Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae drought tolerant?
It prefers consistent moisture and should not be considered highly drought tolerant. Established plants can handle short dry periods, but prolonged dry conditions may lead to foliage stress.

Is Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae easy to care for?
Yes. Its slow growth, compact mature size, natural rounded habit, and minimal pruning requirements make it a very low-maintenance evergreen when planted in suitable soil and kept adequately watered.