Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae: The Perfect Low-Maintenance Conifer

Perfect garden plants are rare. To qualify: hardy, adaptable, year-round interest, easily tended. Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Bobozam’) hits all marks.

Botanical name: Thuja occidentalis ‘Bobozam’
Common name: Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae
Origin: Witch’s broom mutation of American arborvitae (native eastern/central Canada, northern U.S.)
Hardiness: -40°F (USDA zones 3–7)
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Average, well-drained soil
Mature size: 2–3 ft tall and wide
Benefits: Deer/rabbit resistant; tolerates air pollution, clay, partial shade, black walnut; no serious pests/diseases
Seasonal interest: Evergreen, rich medium-green foliage; winter bronze tint (more pronounced in full sun)
When to plant: Spring or fall

Distinguishing traits. Flattened scale-like evergreen foliage, peeling cinnamon-colored bark. Small size and natural rounded shape distinguish it from taller screening arborvitaes.

How to use it. Holds tight spherical shape without pruning—plausible boxwood alternative. Sculptural form mixes well with conifers, ornamental grasses, tall narrow shrubs. Holds its own in garden sculpture vignettes, e.g., surrounding a stone birdbath.

Planting notes. Full sun; in warmer areas prefers afternoon shade. Moist to average well-drained soil. In groups, space 3 ft apart for shape development.