Finding a slow-growing, naturally rounded evergreen that won’t overtake your foundation planting or require constant trimming is a specific challenge in landscape design. The dense, globular form of the Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae solves that problem elegantly, bringing structure without the maintenance headache.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years analyzing nursery stock, comparing growth habit data, and studying aggregated owner feedback to identify which compact evergreens deliver on their promise of true dwarf form and reliable hardiness.
After combing through hundreds of verified buyer reports and specification sheets, I’ve built this guide to help you choose the best mr. bowling ball arborvitae for your specific planting zone and landscape goals.
How To Choose The Best Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae
Choosing the right dwarf evergreen for a small landscape space comes down to verifying three critical factors: the plant’s mature dimensions, its cold-hardiness range, and the container size you receive. Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae is celebrated for its naturally spherical form that requires zero shaping, but not every listing labeled “Mr. Bowling Ball” is the same plant. You’ll want to confirm the botanical identity and the nursery source to ensure you’re getting the true cultivar.
Container Size Matters for Immediate Impact
The most common container sizes for this cultivar are #2 (roughly 2 gallons) and #3 (roughly 3 gallons). A #3 container delivers a more substantial plant at planting time, with a root system that is more developed. This often translates to faster establishment in the ground during the first growing season. If you are patient and budget-conscious, a #2 container plant will catch up within two years. If you want instant presence in a formal entryway or small garden bed, the larger container is the better starting point.
Verifying the True Dwarf Growth Habit
Many compact evergreens sold as “dwarf” eventually outgrow their space. The genuine Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae maxes out at 3 to 4 feet in both height and width, creating a perfect globe. This is a key differentiator from the Dwarf Alberta Spruce, which slowly reaches 6 to 8 feet tall in a conical shape, or the Hinoki Cypress, which can spread wider than it grows tall. Buyers who want a true sphere that stays small should prioritize listings that explicitly state “Thuja occidentalis ‘Mr. Bowling Ball'” and specify a mature spread equal to the height.
Hardiness and Sunlight Requirements
This cultivar thrives in USDA zones 4 through 8, making it suitable for climates ranging from the cold winters of Minnesota to the humid summers of the Carolinas. It performs best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. In partial shade, the form may become looser and less compact, diminishing the natural bowling-ball shape that makes this plant so desirable. Check your local zone before purchasing, and plan a planting site that receives consistent sun exposure.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja Mr. Bowling Ball #3 | Premium | Instant landscape impact | 3-gallon container size | Amazon |
| Thuja Mr. Bowling Ball #2 | Mid-Range | True dwarf spherical form | 2-gallon container size | Amazon |
| Dwarf Alberta Spruce #2 | Premium | Cold-hardy conical accent | 6-8 ft mature height | Amazon |
| Hinoki Cypress ‘Blue Feathers’ #2 | Mid-Range | Unique blue-green texture | 3-4 ft mature spread | Amazon |
| Dwarf Andromeda ‘Cavatine’ #2 | Mid-Range | Partial-shade spring blooms | 2-3 ft mature spread | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Green Promise Farms Thuja Mr. Bowling Ball #3 Container
This is the larger #3 container version of the genuine Thuja occidentalis ‘Mr. Bowling Ball’, and it is the closest you will get to instant gratification with this dwarf cultivar. Multiple verified buyers noted that the plant arrived “bigger than expected” with a well-developed root system that established quickly after transplanting into full-sun locations. The dense, naturally rounded form was reported as consistent with the cultivar’s promise.
Shipping packaging was described as robust enough to protect the plant even when the outer box showed signs of handling stress. Several reviews mentioned that the foliage arrived bright green and healthy, with no yellowing or browning on the interior branches. The size of the #3 container gives this plant a significant head start compared to the #2 version, making it ideal for anyone who wants a mature look in the first season.
Owners in zones 4 through 8 reported successful overwintering with standard fall watering. The low-maintenance nature of this cultivar means no shearing is required to maintain the globular shape, and the slow growth rate keeps it within the 3-to-4-foot range for many years. For the best balance of immediate impact and long-term reliability, this is the top pick.
What works
- Larger #3 container provides a more substantial plant at planting time.
- True dwarf globe habit requires zero shearing.
- Well-packaged with consistent positive feedback on plant health upon arrival.
What doesn’t
- Premium-tier investment compared to the #2 container size.
- A few buyers expected an even larger plant for the price point.
2. Thuja Mr. Bowling Ball #2 Container
This is the entry-point for the genuine Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae cultivar, offered in the standard #2 container size. Buyers consistently reported receiving healthy, vibrant plants with a dense, tight form that matched the description. The compact size upon arrival—often described as “small but nice quality”—is expected for a dwarf cultivar, and many owners were pleasantly surprised by the strong stem structure and bright green foliage.
Green Promise Farms ships these fully rooted, and multiple reviews confirmed that the plants established well after being transplanted into the ground or large containers within a week of arrival. The mature specification of 3 to 4 feet in both height and width is reliably achieved with patience, as this is a slow grower. The cultivar’s natural globe shape eliminates the need for any shaping or pruning.
Hardiness in zones 4 through 8 was confirmed by several reviewers who saw their plants survive harsh winters and hot summers with moderate watering. The primary trade-off is the smaller starting size compared to the #3 version, but the price difference makes this the smart pick for gardeners willing to wait a year for the plant to fill out its space.
What works
- Genuine dwarf cultivar with a naturally spherical form.
- Excellent establishment reported from zone 4 to 8.
- Lower upfront cost for the same mature genetics as the #3 version.
What doesn’t
- Starts smaller; takes a full season to reach significant visual mass.
- A few buyers felt the size-to-price ratio was low compared to faster-growing shrubs.
3. Picea glauca ‘Conica’ Dwarf Alberta Spruce #2 Container
While not a Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae, the Dwarf Alberta Spruce is the most common alternative for gardeners who want a slow-growing, cold-hardy evergreen for small spaces. It forms a dense, conical shape rather than a globe, maturing at 6 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. Multiple verified buyers praised the “beautiful, full and healthy” condition of the plants upon arrival, noting that the packaging protected them well during transit.
This cultivar thrives in zones 3 through 8, extending its range into colder climates than the Mr. Bowling Ball can handle. Owners in zone 7a reported successful overwintering in pots and in-ground plantings. The Dwarf Alberta Spruce grows even slower than the arborvitae, making it a candidate for long-term container gardening or small foundation beds where a vertical accent is desired.
Reviews consistently mention the excellent value compared to local nurseries, with multiple buyers stating the plants were healthier and more vigorous than what they had seen in big-box garden centers. The main consideration is that this plant is conical, not spherical—so if you specifically need a globe shape, this is not a substitute. But for cold-hardy reliability and classic form, it earns its place.
What works
- Excellent cold hardiness down to zone 3.
- Dense, slow growth perfect for containers or small spaces.
- Consistently praised for health and vigor upon delivery.
What doesn’t
- Conical shape, not a globe—wrong form for a spherical design.
- Matures at 6-8 feet tall, which may outgrow very tight spaces over time.
4. Chamaecyparis obt. ‘Blue Feathers’ Hinoki Cypress #2 Container
The ‘Blue Feathers’ Hinoki Cypress offers a distinctly different aesthetic from the Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae, featuring soft, feathery blue-green foliage that adds texture contrast to any evergreen planting. Multiple verified buyers were “super impressed” with the quality, noting the plants arrived lush, well-watered, and correctly sized at the #2 container specification. The flattened globe shape with cascading branch tips creates a looser, more organic silhouette than the tight ball form.
This cultivar is hardy in zones 5 through 8, which limits its use in colder northern gardens compared to the arborvitae. Owners in zone 6 and 7 reported successful two-year survival through full sun and drought conditions, though a few noted that some plants arrived with dead sections that eventually regrew. The slow growth keeps it manageable at 3 to 4 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide.
The deer resistance of this variety was highlighted by several buyers, making it a strong option for properties with heavy wildlife pressure. The price point undercuts the premium-tier options while delivering a unique color and texture that stands out against standard green evergreens. If you want a conversation piece that is not a typical arborvitae, this is worth considering.
What works
- Striking blue-green feathery foliage provides unique texture.
- Excellent deer resistance reported by multiple owners.
- Generous size and healthy root system upon delivery.
What doesn’t
- Hardy only to zone 5, not suitable for colder climates.
- Less dense, more open growth habit than a true globe arborvitae.
5. Pieris jap. ‘Cavatine’ Dwarf Andromeda #2 Container
The ‘Cavatine’ Dwarf Andromeda fills a different niche entirely: it is a broadleaf evergreen that thrives in partial shade, making it the go-to choice for north-facing foundations or dappled woodland edges. Unlike the Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae, this plant produces white bell-like flowers in April, adding seasonal interest that conifers lack. Buyers consistently praised the “beautiful small evergreen” for arriving in excellent condition and blooming profusely in its first spring.
This cultivar is notably deer resistant, a point emphasized by multiple owners dealing with heavy deer pressure. One zone 7a reviewer reported that the plant survived a harsh winter completely untouched by deer, while nearby plants were decimated. The mature size of 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide makes it a true dwarf, even smaller than the Mr. Bowling Ball, which is ideal for tight spots near doorways or pathways.
The primary limitation is its preference for partial shade—full sun can scorch the leaves in hotter climates. Additionally, it is not a conifer, so the texture is broader and less fine than arborvitae or cypress. For gardeners who need a shade-tolerant, flowering, deer-resistant evergreen in a compact package, this is an excellent pick.
What works
- Thrives in partial shade where most conifers struggle.
- White spring blooms add seasonal color.
- Excellent deer resistance validated by multiple owners.
What doesn’t
- Broadleaf texture differs from fine-needle evergreens.
- Full sun exposure can cause leaf scorch in warmer zones.
Hardware & Specs Guide
Container Size & Root Mass
The #2 container holds roughly 2 gallons of soil and is the standard nursery size for dwarf evergreens, providing a well-rooted plant that can be planted immediately. The #3 container holds approximately 3 gallons, offering a larger root system and a more developed canopy. Bigger containers reduce transplant shock and accelerate establishment, but they also increase shipping weight and cost.
Mature Dimensions & Growth Rate
True dwarf cultivars like the Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae grow at a rate of 3 to 6 inches per year, taking up to a decade to reach their full 3-to-4-foot size. This slow growth is a feature, not a flaw—it ensures the plant stays within its designated space for many years with minimal maintenance. Faster-growing “dwarf” alternatives often exceed their stated mature size and require pruning to contain them.
USDA Hardiness Zone Verification
Every dwarf evergreen has a specific zone range for reliable survival. The Mr. Bowling Ball thrives in zones 4 through 8. Always cross-reference the zone listed by the seller with your local USDA hardiness zone. A plant rated for zone 5 will struggle in a zone 3 winter without extra protection, while a zone 8 plant may suffer in extreme southern heat.
Sunlight Exposure Requirements
Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily) is the optimal condition for maintaining the dense, compact form of the Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae. In partial shade, the plant will still survive but may develop a looser, more open growth habit that requires shearing to maintain the globe shape. Broadleaf evergreens like the Dwarf Andromeda prefer partial shade to prevent leaf scorch.
FAQ
What is the difference between the #2 and #3 container sizes for Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae?
How fast does a Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae grow?
Can Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae grow in partial shade?
Is the Dwarf Alberta Spruce a good substitute for Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae?
What should I do if my Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae arrives with brown foliage?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best mr. bowling ball arborvitae winner is the Green Promise Farms Thuja Mr. Bowling Ball #3 Container because it delivers the largest, healthiest starting plant of the genuine cultivar, ensuring quick establishment and instant landscape presence. If you want the same genetics at a lower upfront cost, grab the Thuja Mr. Bowling Ball #2 Container. And for a cold-hardy conical alternative that thrives in zone 3, nothing beats the Dwarf Alberta Spruce.