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photo of Joe Stupka

Meet the Breeder

Joe Stupka
Pulaski Township, PA

MR. BOWLING BALL®

Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis

'Bobazam'

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Mr Bowling Ball dwarf arborvitae in a landscape surrounded by mulch Closeup of the spiky green blue foliage of Mr Bowling Ball dwarf arborvitae
  • Dwarf and compact
  • Evergreen
  • Native to North America
Description

True to its name, Mr. Bowling Ball® arborvitae is a dwarf, mounded globe with soft, sage-green juvenile foliage. The habit is tight and compact, creating an outstanding landscape or container plant. Selected by noted plantsman Joe Stupka of Pennsylvania.

USDA Zone
3 - 8 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
1 - 2.5'
Width
1 - 2.5'
Finish Time
1.5 seasons
Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4"

Soil

Adaptable in terms of pH; best growth is in moderately moist, cool, fertile soils.

Pruning

Does not strictly require pruning, though it does tolerate it well. Prune in spring before new growth begins.

Uses

Mixed borders; rock gardens; foundation plantings; specimen.

Growing Tips

Tolerates heat and drought once established. Keep watered after pruning to minimize browning; this is also an effective strategy to minimize winter damage to foliage in cold areas.

Features: Evergreen, Salt tolerant, Winter interest, Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Native, Dwarf, Compact

Filters: Botanical genus: Thuja, Common name: Arborvitae, Retail program: Local Roots®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Green foliage

Features: Evergreen, Salt tolerant, Winter interest, Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Native, Dwarf, Compact

Filters: Botanical genus: Thuja, Common name: Arborvitae, Retail program: Local Roots®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Green foliage