Bowling Ball Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Bobozam'), also known as Dwarf Globe Arborvitae, is a compact, rounded evergreen shrub known for its perfectly spherical shape and low-maintenance nature. This slow-growing plant is ideal for small gardens, foundation plantings, borders, and even containers due to its neat, ball-like form and year-round green color.

Key Features of Bowling Ball Arborvitae:

• Shape: Its main appeal is its natural, globe-like form, which does not require pruning to maintain. It grows into a perfectly round, dense ball of soft, scale-like foliage.
• Foliage: The evergreen foliage is bright green in spring and summer, transitioning to a slightly deeper green or bronze-green hue in the colder months. The foliage remains lush and full throughout the year.
• Size: Bowling Ball Arborvitae is a dwarf variety, growing to about 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it a perfect fit for small spaces.
• Growth Rate: This is a slow-growing shrub, which means it maintains its shape and size without much intervention.

Benefits:

• Low Maintenance: Its naturally compact and rounded growth habit eliminates the need for regular pruning, making it an easy-care option for homeowners.
• Year-Round Interest: The evergreen foliage provides color and texture throughout the year, with slight seasonal color variation that enhances its appeal in winter.
• Space-Saving: Its small size makes it ideal for smaller landscapes, rock gardens, or areas where space is limited. It’s also an excellent choice for planting in rows along walkways or garden borders.

Care and Maintenance:

• Light Requirements: Bowling Ball Arborvitae prefers full sun to partial shade. It performs best in full sun, where it will maintain a dense form, but it can tolerate some shade, though its growth may be less compact.
• Soil: It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil but is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It does best in moist, well-drained soils but is relatively tolerant of dry conditions once established.
• Watering: Regular watering is important, especially during the first growing season to establish the root system. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance but performs best with consistent moisture.
• Pruning: Pruning is rarely necessary because of its natural shape, but if needed, light trimming can be done in early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.

Uses:

• Foundation Planting: Its tidy, rounded form is perfect for foundation plantings, where it can soften the edges of buildings without growing too large.
• Borders and Hedges: Bowling Ball Arborvitae can be planted in a row to create a low-maintenance, formal hedge or border along pathways, driveways, or garden beds.
• Rock Gardens: Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens or xeriscaping, where it adds evergreen color and texture year-round.
• Containers: The dwarf size and natural shape make it well-suited for container planting, where it can be a standout feature on patios or balconies.
• Accent Plant: It can serve as a focal point in small gardens or be used in mixed beds with perennials, annuals, and other evergreens.

Hardiness:

• USDA Zones: Bowling Ball Arborvitae is hardy in USDA zones 3-7, making it suitable for cold climates, where it can tolerate harsh winters and maintain its form and foliage year-round.

Environmental Benefits:

• Erosion Control: Its dense root system helps to prevent soil erosion, making it a good choice for sloped areas or where stabilization is needed.
• Wildlife Friendly: While it’s not a major wildlife attractor, the dense foliage can provide some shelter for small birds or animals.

Landscape Appeal:

• Perfect Shape: The naturally round, compact shape adds a formal, architectural element to landscapes, making it a great fit for both modern and traditional garden designs.
• Color Contrast: The bright green foliage contrasts nicely with other plants, flowers, or hardscaping elements, adding year-round color and texture.

Bowling Ball Arborvitae is a great choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, evergreen shrub that provides year-round interest in a small, compact form. Its versatility, resilience, and unique shape make it an ideal addition to many different types of landscapes, from formal garden beds to casual rock gardens.