Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Anna Van Vloten'

Proven Winners®

Naturally Perfect Globe Shape Needs Zero Pruning, Stays Just 15 Inches Tall
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-7
Grows 1-2 ft Tall, 1 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Native, Wildlife-Friendly - Attracts Small Mammals and Songbirds

$26¹⁴

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this arborvitae at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its signature bright yellow-gold foliage. While it tolerates partial shade, too much shade will cause the vibrant color to fade to a lime green and the growth habit to become looser.
Soil: Plant in well-draining, loamy soil that retains some moisture without staying soggy. If you are dealing with heavy clay, amend the site with compost to improve drainage, as this plant struggles in standing water.

Watering Requirements

Consistency is key during the first year; water deeply once or twice a week to encourage roots to grow down rather than staying near the surface. Once established, this shrub has moderate drought tolerance, but steady moisture is still best to prevent the tips from browning.

Pruning Tips

Because Anna's Magic Ball® naturally grows into a tight sphere, it rarely needs significant trimming. If you do wish to tidy it up or correct the shape, the ideal time is early spring before new growth begins. Avoid cutting back into old, bare wood, as arborvitae will not push new growth from branches that have no green needles.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, granular fertilizer designed for evergreens in early spring as the new growth starts to emerge. Avoid fertilizing after late summer, as pushing new, tender growth late in the season makes the plant vulnerable to winter freeze damage.

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

Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae - Bright Round Dwarf Shrub

Looking for an evergreen that packs a punch but won't take over your yard? Meet Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae PP#25,868 (Thuja occidentalis 'Anna Van Vloten') from Proven Winners® ColorChoice®! A perfectly round, golden-green dwarf evergreen bred to have a naturally tidy form and cheerful color.

This tiny powerhouse adds structure, color, and four-season interest without asking for much in return. Unlike its towering Thuja relatives, this compact cultivar stays a petite 15 inches tall—no trimming required! This little globe is naturally dense and tidy, with soft, ferny foliage that glows yellow-green all year long. It holds its shape without pruning and stays neat as a pin through snow, heat, and storms.

Arborvitaes are native to North America, but Anna's Magic Ball® is in a league of its own—developed for dwarf form, reliable hardiness (USDA zones 3–7), and almost zero maintenance. It's great for colder climates, especially where space is limited, and thrives in full sun with minimal care.

Key Features

Naturally round dwarf evergreen shrub
Bright yellow-green foliage year-round
Stays only 15 inches tall and wide
Cold-hardy in USDA Zones 3–7
Excellent in containers, borders, and as low hedges
No pruning is required to maintain shape

Landscaping Uses

A bright and round 15-inch evergreen, Anna's Magic Ball® fits anywhere a little pop of color is needed. Use this perfectly shaped plant as a tidy edging, front-of-border accent, or container centerpiece! Its rounded shape and soft texture pair beautifully with spiky or bold-leafed companions, and its color pops against dark foliage shrubs or dark mulch!

Use instead of Boxwood for formal low hedges
Accent to anchor foundation plantings
Line walkways or garden edges with year-round structure
Fill gaps in mature evergreen borders
Highlight in porch pots, patio containers, mixed planters, or balcony gardens

Care and Maintenance

This is a dwarf, broadleaf evergreen shrub that loves sun and well-drained soil. It's remarkably hardy and low maintenance, perfect for gardeners who want easy beauty. Find more Arborvitae care here!

Planting Time: Spring or fall planting is ideal
Sun Needs: Full sun for best color and densest form
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil; not tolerant of soggy or poorly drained spots
Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture at planting; drought tolerant once established
Arborist Mulch: Apply 3-4 inches of arborist mulch or bark chips around the base; compost is optional but welcome
Fertilization Needs: Light spring feeding with a balanced fertilizer if desired
Pruning Info: Rarely needed; trim out crossed branches, winter dieback, or wayward shoots in early spring after new growth
Special Perks/Growing Tips:

Deer resistant
Low maintenance
Cold hardy
Great in smog/urban landscapes
Pollution-tolerant

A Little Ball of Sunshine!

Whether you need a friendly face at the front of the border or a splash of gold in your containers, Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae delivers cheer and charm in a pint-sized package. Let it be the low-maintenance magic your landscape needs.

Buy now from Nature Hills Nursery and they'll ship this little wonder at just the right time for your zone!

Botanical Name

Thuja occidentalis 'Anna Van Vloten'
Class

Pinopsida
Species

occidentalis
Cultivar

Anna Van Vloten
Growing Zones

3-7
Height

1-2 ft
Width

1 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

Green
Leaf Color

Yellow
Fall Color

Bright Yellow-Green Evergreen
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3-7

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae require full sun or can it tolerate shade?

Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae thrives in full sun for best color and form. While it can tolerate some light shade, full sun exposure brings out its brightest yellow-green foliage. Plant in a sunny spot for optimal growth and that signature golden glow.

What type of soil does Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae prefer, and does it need good drainage?

Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates a wide range of soil types. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, especially in zones 3-7 where it's hardy. Plant in full sun for best color and compact form, available at naturehills.com.

How much water does Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae need, especially when first planted?

Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae needs consistent moisture for the first year while establishing its root system. Water deeply 1-2 times per week during the growing season, ensuring soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Once established, it becomes quite drought tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering except during extended dry periods.

Does Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae need pruning to maintain its shape?

No, Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae maintains its naturally round shape without any pruning required. This dwarf cultivar stays a compact 15 inches tall and wide while keeping its tidy, globe form through all seasons. Simply plant it and let it grow naturally for best results.

Is Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae deer resistant or prone to pests like bagworms?

Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae has moderate deer resistance, though hungry deer may browse it in winter. Bagworms can occasionally affect arborvitae but are manageable with early detection. Monitor for pests in late spring and consider deer deterrents if browsing becomes problematic.

How well does Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae hold its yellow color in winter or cold weather?

Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae maintains its bright yellow-green foliage color year-round, even through harsh winters in zones 3-7. The naturally dense, ferny foliage stays vibrant through snow, heat, and storms without fading. Plant in full sun for the best color retention.

What are the shipping restrictions or states where Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae cannot be shipped?

Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae can be shipped to most states, though some restrictions may apply during extreme weather periods or to certain agricultural zones. This hardy dwarf evergreen thrives in USDA zones 3-7, making it suitable for most northern and temperate climates. Check shipping availability at checkout for your specific location.

How are Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae plants packaged for shipping, and what is the root system like upon arrival?

Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae arrives with a well-developed root system in a container, ready to transplant into zones 3-7. The compact 15-inch plants ship securely packaged to protect their naturally round form during transit. Plant immediately or keep watered in the container until ready to establish in your garden.