Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The lacy, evergreen foliage of the Mr. Bowling Ball® American Arborvitae provides lush greenery all year long, while the rounded growth habit gives this plant a mounded look. This arborvitae grows 3 to 4 feet tall and wide and maintains a globe-like appearance without being pruned. The awl-like foliage is frilly and provides a soft texture. This plant is not a fast grower, but it is easy to grow and requires very little attention once it has had time to settle in.
Use this arborvitae in borders, along a foundation, or create a low hedge. Since this plant has a relatively small profile, it is a great choice for areas with limited space in need of year-round greenery. The Mr. Bowling Ball® American Arborvitae is a perennial in USDA growing zones 4 through 8.
Mr. Bowling Ball® American Arborvitae Care
Plant in full sun, although this plant prefers some afternoon shade when grown in very hot climates. Arborvitae does best with loamy or sandy soil that is alkaline to neutral. Water when the top several inches of soil dry out. This arborvitae will typically need water once a week under normal weather conditions, but plants grown in containers will need water more often. Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.
This plant naturally maintains its globe-like shape without pruning. Cut back dead or damaged growth at any time. Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring at the start of the growing season.
Mr. Bowling Ball® American Arborvitae Spacing
The mounded Mr. Bowling Ball® American Arborvitae will grow 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. Space plants as close as 3 feet to create a consistent hedge of greenery. Leave more space if using the plant as a specimen or focal point.
Mr. Bowling Ball® American Arborvitae Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3-4 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-4 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Growth Habit
- , Columnar, Mounded, Dwarf
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Lacy, Green Awl-like Foliage
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Winter Interest, 4 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Mr. Bowling Ball® American Arborvitae
- Botanical Name
- THUJA 'MR. BOWLING BALL'
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
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, 2026 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: 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!