Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae

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.