Proven Winners® Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Anna Van Vloten'
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Proven Winners® Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae - Quart Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
From | To | S&H |
---|---|---|
$0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
$20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
$50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
$70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
$100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
$130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
$150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
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2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
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2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
#1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
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#2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
#3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
#6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
#7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Proven Winners® Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Fall Color
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodSummer

Growing Zones 3-7
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae get?
It matures to just 15 inches tall and wide, staying naturally round and compact.
Does Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae need pruning?
Nope! It holds its shape without trimming, but you can lightly prune in spring if needed.
What growing zones is Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae good for?
It's hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 7.
Can I grow Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae in a container?
Absolutely! It's a favorite for pots, porch containers, and balcony gardens.
Is Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae deer resistant?
Yes, it is generally deer resistant, though young plants may need protection in heavy browsing areas.
Does it keep its color in winter?
Yes, the golden-green color remains all year—even in winter!
What's the best way to use Anna's Magic Ball® in landscaping?
Use it in borders, as a Boxwood substitute, along pathways, or as a tidy little hedge.