Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae

Name: Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 14397
Price: 77.09 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (20 reviews)

Thuja occidentalis 'MR. BOWLING BALL'

Naturally Perfect Sphere Shape Requires Minimal Pruning, No Formal Shearing Needed
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 3 ft Tall and Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Fragrant Blooms in Late Spring

$77⁰⁹

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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, Compact/Dwarf, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Evergreen, Full Sun, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Salt Tolerant, Shade Tolerant
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	3 ft
Width	3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Growth Rate	Slow
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Thuja occidentalis 'Bobozam'
Species	occidentalis
Cultivar	Bobozam
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Everyone loves the formality of round, evergreen spheres! But why spend time clipping and shaping, when you can plant something that grows into a perfect sphere all by itself without help?

Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Bobazam') is a dwarf, rounded cultivar of the species. Also known as White Cedars, these pretty shrubs are native to the upper northeast United States.

This hardy plant has all the wonderful characteristics of an Arborvitae, but it grows in a unique, compact, perfectly globe-shaped form. It requires little shearing and needs rare pruning to remain neat and tidy! It's an outstanding selection where space is limited.

Mr. Bowling Ball®'s lacy, fine-textured foliage is soft to the touch. It fills in all the way to the ground and retains its rich, green color year-round.

It has no significant disease or insect problems. Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae is long-lived and a great investment for USDA planting zones 3-8 landscapes.

Landscape Application:

Many people like to use this plant in their foundation plantings. But their small size and low-maintenance nature make them a wonderful addition just about anywhere!

We recommend using an odd number of plants for the best visual results. Curved lines will look more natural than stick-straight rows.

Create an excellent low hedge with multiple plants. Space them two feet apart on center. You'll measure from the center of one to the center of the next. Try them as a mass planting in areas that periodically stay damp. Use a staggered, zig-zagging planting pattern, two feet on center. Mulch between plants and keep newly installed mass plantings weeded until they grow together and touch.

They'll make a wonderful ribbon of steady green color to define garden areas. Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae add a formal touch but have a fine texture that looks soft and pleasing.

Have fun with Mr. Bowling Ball®! Why not create geometric patterns for a living maze, labyrinth or game board? Kids would love to run all around them. Let their creativity run wild as they burn off some energy.

Add to a special collection in rock gardens, or as part of a privacy planting. It looks terrific planted at the base of everything from taller American Arborvitae to flowering shrubs.

Use Mr. Bowling Ball® as an easy-care "Thriller" in exterior containers. Place one on either side of your front door to elevate them and increase their impact.

March a series of ultra-modern containers along the length of your pool deck for a very high-end look. Run drip irrigation to keep the containers watered, and get your weekends back!

True Dwarf Evergreen
Lacy, Blue-Green Foliage
Compact, Unique Shape Grows Into A Perfect Sphere
Holds Color Well In Winter
Fantastic Space-Saving Conifers
Great in Containers, Facer Plants, Edging & Border Plants

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Plant Mr. Bowling Ball® in full sun in cooler growing zones. While it's a rugged plant, it would appreciate some afternoon shade in hotter summer areas of Zone 6 and 8. It loves rich, moist, well-drained soils, however, it will adapt to most soil types, including clay or alkaline. It can even tolerate soil that periodically remains wet.

Give it a moderate amount of water on a regular basis. Add a thick layer of mulch to maintain even moisture and cool the root system in the heat of summer. Mulch is beneficial for many reasons. It breaks down to add nutrients for healthier plants and pulls the visual look of the landscape together.

Mr. Bowling Ball® remains evergreen year-round. However, older interior foliage may be shed as part of a normal renewal cycle in the fall. Overall, your plants will always be a vibrant, mid-toned green. Apply a fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring according to the directions. Top-dress with compost every other year to improve your soil quality over time.

Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae is a dwarf conifer that is adaptable to a variety of soils and conditions, including urban pollution and salt.

Hardy In Full Sun But Prefers Part Shade In Hotter Climates
Well-Drained Soil - Tolerates Salt/Saline
Moderate Moisture - Tolerates Wet Areas
Rarely Needs Pruning But Can Be In Spring
Salt & Urban Pollution Tolerant

Don't be surprised if you fall in love with these cute, little evergreen shrubs. Order the low-maintenance, charming Mr. Bowling Ball® Dwarf Arborvitae for your landscape this year!

Other Arborvitae varieties

Hetz Midget Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget'

(9)

Regular price $93²⁴
Fire Chief™ Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Congabe'

(8)

Regular price $91⁰⁸
Tater Tot™ Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'SMNTOBAB' USPP30,761, Can PBRAF

(15)

Regular price From $73²⁶
Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'IslPrim'

(8)

Regular price $144⁶⁹
Golden Globe Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Golden Globe'

(46)

Regular price $93²⁴
Danica Globe Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Danica'

(9)

Regular price $93²⁴
Teddy Dwarf Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Teddy'

New arrival

(46)

Regular price $44⁹⁹
Grune Kugel Dwarf Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata 'Grüne Kugel'

New arrival

Regular price $64⁹⁹

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

Excellent service!

Originally purchased two Mr Bowling Ball Arbs. They were beautiful but sadly did not survive the transplant. I ordered 2 more and received a credit for the 2 that didn't survive. Happily the new ones are doing nicely. I'm very pleased with the quality and service.

Losing the first two to transplant shock is always disappointing, and we are glad the team was able to make it right with a credit. It is great to hear the replacements are settling in well. Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae can be a little particular right after planting, so keeping that root zone consistently moist through the first season goes a long way. Thanks for sticking with us, Cynthia.

I received my order very well packaged

I received my order very well packaged.mr.bowling ball’s looking really good. Good service and fast, I will use them again.thanks

Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae ships as a compact, dense little globe, and it sounds like yours arrived in great shape ready to get established. Thanks for the kind words about packaging and service. We look forward to growing with you again. The Nature Hills Team

I just love my bowling ball bushes

It took time for them to grow 3 feet tall but it was worth it. It is are so easy to take care of them. My sons had their eyes on them for some time; so, I gave them all to them. They look so interesting in their yards. I would like to order more for my yard. They will always have a home with my family.

Hello Clara,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your bowling ball bushes! We’re delighted to hear that their slow but steady growth has rewarded you with beautiful, easy-to-care-for plants that your whole family can enjoy. It’s heartwarming to know your sons are enjoying them in their yards; those unique shapes really do make a fascinating addition to any space!

If you’re ready to add more to your garden, we’d be happy to help you pick out additional plants that thrive under similar care or complement your current collection. Feel free to reach out if you need recommendations or planting tips for your new additions—we’re always here to support your gardening journey.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

No problems, followed directions, planted

No problems, followed directions, planted it and it has grown fine

Hi Robert,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience! We're thrilled to hear that following the directions led to a healthy, flourishing plant. Your success makes all the effort worth it!

If you ever have any questions or want tips on continuing to care for your green friend, don’t hesitate to reach out—we're here to help your garden thrive.

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

No problems, followed directions, planted

No problems, followed directions, planted it and it has grown fine

Dear Robert,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! We’re delighted to hear that following the directions made your planting process smooth and that your plant is thriving. It’s always our goal to provide clear guidance to help your garden flourish.

If you ever have any questions or want tips on how to care for your plants as they continue to grow, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your gardening journey every step of the way!

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

I love this bush. It

I love this bush. It looks very nice in our landscape.

Hi Roann,

Thank you so much for sharing your kind words! We're delighted to hear that the bush is a lovely addition to your landscape. Healthy, vibrant plants really brighten up any outdoor space, and it’s wonderful to know this one is thriving in your garden. If you ever need tips on pruning, watering, or enhancing its appearance, just let us know—we're always here to help your plants flourish.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

The Ball

I love him; the size is perfect BUT there's quite a bit of brown that was on it when it got here and a little more since. I will cover it the end of the month to protect it during the winter and hopefully it will be ok in the spring when the cover comes off.Is this normal?

Hi Dawn,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful feedback about The Ball! We’re delighted to hear you love the size and character it brings to your garden. Regarding the brown you’ve noticed, it’s fairly common for some discoloration or natural sheddings to occur, especially as plants adjust to a new environment or as the seasons change. Covering it during the winter is a great call—your protective care will absolutely help shield it from harsher weather.

If the brown areas continue or you notice any other changes, gently wiping the leaves with a damp cloth can often refresh the foliage. Also, if you have any questions about winter care or want tips on keeping it vibrant come springtime, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help ensure your garden thrives year-round!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

The Ball

Hello Dawn,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with The Ball! We’re so glad to hear you love the size and have such a connection with it. Regarding the brown spots, it’s actually quite normal for deciduous and some evergreen plants to develop some discoloration or spotting—especially after they’ve experienced shift in weather or environmental stresses. Covering it through the winter is a wonderful idea, as it helps protect your plant from chill and moisture damage. When you remove the cover in spring, pruning any browned or damaged sections will encourage healthy new growth.

If you want, we’re happy to provide some tailored care tips specific to your plant’s variety to ensure it thrives beautifully! Please feel free to reach out anytime for more guidance or questions.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

I love this bush. It

I love this bush. It looks very nice in our landscape.

Dear Roann,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely feedback! We're thrilled to hear that the bush has found a happy spot in your landscape and that it brings beauty to your outdoor space. If you ever have questions about seasonal care or just want some tips to keep your bushes thriving, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

small but mighty

This plant is a pet favorite of mine. It is virtually a perfect and trouble-free plant, as well as being a true dwarf. Good gray-green color and much tougher than it looks, even under snow. My plant grows in probably 2/3 day shade and doesn't seem to mind a bit.

Hi Bob,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae! We’re delighted to hear that it’s not only a pet favorite but also tough and easy to care for, especially thriving in partial shade and holding up well through snow. That resilient gray-green color truly adds a unique charm to any space!

If you ever want to help your Arborvitae thrive even more, remember it appreciates well-drained soil and occasional watering during dry spells. Mulching around the base can also protect its roots and preserve moisture. Should you have any questions about pruning or mixing it with other shrubs for landscape design, feel free to reach out—we’re always here to help!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

small but mighty

Hi Bob,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae! We’re thrilled to hear that it has become a pet favorite and is thriving so well in your 2/3 day shade—it really is a “small but mighty” plant with its hardy nature and charming gray-green color. You’re right, its ability to tolerate snow and endure a variety of conditions makes it a fantastic addition to many landscapes.

If you ever want to keep it looking its best, occasional light pruning in early spring can help maintain its shape without stressing the plant. Also, ensuring well-drained soil will support its health over time. Feel free to reach out if you’d like more care tips or suggestions for companion plants that thrive in similar shaded environments. We’re always here to help you get the most from your garden favorites.

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

No pruning

I thinks the Mr. Bowling ball is a great plant mainly because I do not have to prune or fuss with it at all. Stays nice and green.

Hi Jiggs,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae! We’re delighted to hear that you've found it as low-maintenance and lush as we hoped. Its neat, rounded form really makes it a standout—and it’s wonderful to know that it’s been thriving in your garden without much fuss.

If you ever want tips on complementing this evergreen or maximizing its color throughout the seasons, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help your garden flourish. Enjoy that vibrant green look for years to come!

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

No pruning

I thinks the Mr. Bowling ball is a great plant mainly because I do not have to prune or fuss with it at all. Stays nice and green.

Hello Jiggs,

Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with the Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae! We’re delighted to hear that it fits perfectly into your garden with minimal fuss — its low-maintenance, vibrant greenery really makes it a standout choice. Since you’ve found it so manageable without pruning, you might also enjoy occasional, light trim in early spring to maintain its perfect shape, but it sounds like it’s thriving beautifully as is!

If you ever want to explore companion plants that complement the Mr. Bowling Ball® or have any questions about plant care, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you keep your garden lush and enjoyable.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Perfect

I have 6 and love them, but I wish they would grow to the desired height a little faster. I've had them 3 full seasons now and they're only about 1 and 1/2 feet!

Hi Antonio,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae! We’re delighted to hear you love your six plants—that’s quite the lovely collection. We appreciate your patience over these past three seasons and understand how important it is to see steady growth-reaching that desired height is definitely something every gardener hopes for.

Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae is known for its naturally slow-to-moderate growth rate, and focusing on optimal conditions can encourage healthier, even if not rapid, development. To give your Arborvitaes the best chance, consistent watering (especially during dry spells), full to partial sun exposure, and well-draining soil enriched with organic matter are key. You might also consider a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring to give them a nice nutrient boost.

If you ever want more tailored advice, we’re here to help—whether in soil prep, seasonal care, or troubleshooting. Your patience and care will surely pay off with those charming green “bowling balls” shaping beautifully over time!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Perfect

I have 6 and love them, but I wish they would grow to the desired height a little faster. I've had them 3 full seasons now and they're only about 1 and 1/2 feet!

Hello Antonio,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae! We’re thrilled to hear how much you love them. It’s understandable to wish they’d reach that desired height a bit faster—arborvitaes are generally slow-to-moderate growers, and three seasons averaging around 1 ½ feet is on the typical side for this variety.

To encourage steady and healthy growth, you might consider a few tips: ensure they’re planted in well-draining soil, allow them ample sunlight (full to partial sun works best), and be mindful with watering—not too much and not too little. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer early in the spring can also support robust growth. Additionally, protecting them from strong winds and harsh winter conditions can prevent growth setbacks.

If you’d like, we’re happy to help evaluate your planting conditions further or recommend fertilization schedules to potentially boost growth over coming seasons.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Very Nice Evergreen

Mr. Bowling Ball is a really nice evergreen. I love that it keeps a perfectly round shape with no pruning and the size is perfect. I planted them in front of mature holly bushes and they look great.

Hello Barbara,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback about your Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae! We're delighted to hear that you love its perfectly round shape and ideal size, and how beautifully it complements your mature holly bushes. It sounds like a lovely combination that will continue to thrive in your garden.

If you ever need tips on optimal watering or soil conditions to keep your Arborvitaes healthy and vibrant, please don't hesitate to reach out. Also, keeping an eye out for seasonal care like mulching or monitoring for pests can help maintain their great shape and health over time.

We truly appreciate you choosing NatureHills and sharing your gardening success with us!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Very Nice Evergreen

Mr. Bowling Ball is a really nice evergreen. I love that it keeps a perfectly round shape with no pruning and the size is perfect. I planted them in front of mature holly bushes and they look great.

Hello Barbara,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae! We’re delighted to hear that its charming, naturally round shape and perfect size have made it a great complement to your mature holly bushes. It’s always rewarding to know our plants are enhancing your garden just as you envisioned.

If you ever want tips on seasonal care to keep your arrangement looking its best—such as routine watering guidelines or how to protect the evergreens through winter—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We also have a variety of planting guides and care articles available on our website that can help ensure your garden thrives year-round.

Wishing you every joy in your garden ventures!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Nice Evergreen

This is a really nice smaller size evergreen. Love that it's so much brighter than most evergreens.

Daylily...Always Evening

This is so beautiful that I just have to order one. Have admired it for a long time...

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it spread over time?

Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae naturally grows into a compact, globe-shaped form without spreading beyond its intended size. This dwarf cultivar maintains its perfectly round shape with minimal pruning in zones 3-8. Space plants 2 feet apart center-to-center for hedging or mass plantings.

What planting zones is Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae hardy in?

Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae thrives in USDA planting zones 3-8. This hardy shrub handles cold northern winters and adapts well to various climates across most of the continental US. Shop at Nature Hills for this long-lived, low-maintenance evergreen.

What type of soil does Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae prefer?

Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae adapts to most well-draining soils and tolerates areas that stay periodically damp. These hardy shrubs aren't picky about soil type. Plant in zones 3-8 and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

How often should I water my newly planted Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae?

Water newly planted Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month. These hardy shrubs tolerate damp conditions well once established. Reduce to weekly watering after the first growing season, checking soil moisture 2 inches down.

Does Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae produce flowers and if so, what color are they?

Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow in color. Like most arborvitae, the flowers are small and not ornamentally significant. This evergreen is grown for its perfect globe shape and year-round foliage rather than blooms.

Is Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae deer resistant?

Arborvitae are generally deer resistant due to their aromatic foliage that deer typically avoid. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, Mr. Bowling Ball® shares this natural protection common to Thuja species. For best results in deer-heavy areas, plant in zones 3-8 and consider additional deterrents during establishment.

Can Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae be shipped to my location year-round?

Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae can be shipped during appropriate planting seasons for zones 3-8. Shipping timing depends on your local climate and soil conditions. Check your specific zone's recommended planting windows for best establishment results.

Does Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae require regular pruning to maintain its shape?

No, Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae naturally grows into a perfect sphere without regular pruning. This dwarf cultivar requires little shearing and only rare pruning to stay neat and tidy. Simply remove any damaged or wayward branches as needed to maintain its compact, globe shape.

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

Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae