Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Mr Bowling Ball'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
30 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Average; somewhat drought tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers average humidity; dislikes high heat and humidity
Lifespan
Up to 50 years
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested; can cause skin irritation
The Story
Plant Bio
Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as American arborvitae or eastern white cedar, is a dense, conical to narrow-pyramidal evergreen tree native to eastern North America. It features scale-like, aromatic, yellow-green to dark green leaves. 'Mr. Bowling Ball' is a dwarf cultivar that maintains a dense, globe-like shape without pruning. Its fine-textured, sage-green foliage is soft to the touch and may take on a bronze tint in winter.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into the soil, pressing firmly.
- Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist for 2 weeks.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during rooting.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Monitor for pests and prune lightly to maintain shape.
Pro Tip
Use well-drained soil and avoid overwatering for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune lightly to shape in early spring
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not prune in late fall or winter
- Skip fertilizing in late autumn
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae questions
What zones can Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae grow in?
Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae bloom?
Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae typically blooms in spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae need full sun?
Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Thuja to compare
Green Giant Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Green Giant'
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd Emerald'
American Pillar Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'
Degroot's Spire Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot'
Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Columbia'
Keep exploring
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Grow Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
