
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread 3 - 4 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Mr. Bowling Ball® American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Bobazam') delights the eye with its tidy, perfectly spherical shape and soft, feathery needles. It generally grows to about 3 feet tall and wide, staying neat with little to no pruning required. The sage-green foliage remains lush through winter, lending year-round color to rock gardens, foundation plantings, or containers. Its compact size and naturally globe-like form make it a must-have for smaller landscapes needing an easy-care evergreen.
Having a live arborvitae for holiday décor adds an authentic seasonal aroma and a charming green sphere when other plants have faded. Unlike plastic ornaments, this living shrub can later transition outdoors, cutting down on waste. The gentle conifer scent also injects an uplifting hint of the outdoors into your home, especially welcome in the depths of winter. Plus, it’s a lovely conversation piece that showcases your commitment to eco-friendly choices.
Holiday Mr. Bowling Ball® American Arborvitae Care
From January to early spring, place your arborvitae near a sunny window, watering only when the top inch of soil feels dry. An occasional misting can help prevent needle tips from browning in low-humidity indoor air. Gently rotate the container every week for even light and growth.
When outdoor temperatures stabilize and frost risk has passed, introduce your arborvitae to brighter conditions gradually. Choose a location in full or partial sun with well-drained soil. Dig a hole the same depth as its root ball but twice as wide, gently backfill, and water thoroughly. Once established, this compact evergreen requires minimal care—just a bit of moisture and, if needed, a light shaping prune each spring.
Holiday Mr. Bowling Ball® American Arborvitae Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
Mature Spread: 3 - 4 Feet |
Spacing: 3 - 4 Feet |
Habit: Columnar |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Lacy, Green Awl-like Foliage |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, Winter Interest, 4 Season Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer, Disease, Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Deadheading Not Necessary, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Mr. Bowling Ball® American Arborvitae |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: THUJA `MR. BOWLING BALL` |
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AZ, CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!