Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae

Planting Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Bobozam')

Mr. Bowling Ball® is a compact, naturally round evergreen that grows about 2–3 feet tall and wide. It works well in foundation plantings, borders, rock gardens, or containers.

• Light: Plant in full sun to partial shade (at least 4–6 hours of sun daily).
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay with compost if needed.
• Planting: Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball and no deeper than the root ball. Set the top of the root ball level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill with the native soil and gently firm it.
• Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting until the root ball and surrounding soil are saturated. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the plant, keeping it 2–3 inches away from the trunk. For the first 2 weeks, water every 2–3 days if there is no significant rain. For the next 10 weeks, water deeply once or twice per week depending on heat and rainfall. After the first growing season, water during extended dry periods.
• Fertilizer: Do not fertilize at planting. The following spring, apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs according to the label directions.
• Pruning: Little to no pruning is needed. Remove only dead or damaged branches, or lightly shape in late spring if desired.
• Pollination & Harvest: Pollination is not required for ornamental value, and there is nothing to harvest.
• Container Planting: Use a pot with drainage holes that is at least 18–24 inches wide. Fill with a high-quality potting mix, water when the top 1–2 inches of soil become dry, and protect the container from severe winter freezing.

Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae FAQs

• 1. How big does Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae get?
  Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Bobozam') naturally forms a tidy, rounded shape that grows about 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide at maturity. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for small landscapes, foundation plantings, borders, and containers without the need for constant pruning.
• 2. Does Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae need to be trimmed to stay round?
  No. One of its biggest advantages is its naturally globe-shaped habit. It maintains its neat, dense form with little to no pruning. If desired, you can lightly shape it in early spring, but regular trimming is rarely necessary.
• 3. Can Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae grow in a container?
  Yes. Its slow growth and compact size make it an excellent container plant for patios, porches, and entryways. Choose a container with good drainage, water regularly, and protect the roots during extreme winter temperatures if growing in colder climates.
• 4. What growing conditions does Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae prefer?
  This evergreen performs best in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates short periods of drought better than many arborvitae, but it grows healthiest with consistent moisture and good air circulation.
• 5. Does Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae produce cones or require pollination?
  Like other arborvitae, this shrub produces small cones as part of its natural life cycle, but they are typically sparse and not considered ornamental. It is wind-pollinated and does not require another plant nearby to grow successfully. Since it is grown primarily for its attractive evergreen foliage and compact form, harvesting is not applicable.