Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Thuja occidentalis 'Bobazam'
Mr. Bowling Ball
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Height
- 3 feet
- Width
- 3 feet
- Flower color
- Non-flowering; primarily grown for its foliage
- Foliage color
- Sage-green, soft, lacy texture
- Bloom time
- Not applicable
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; naturally maintains a globe shape without pruning
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 8
- Wildlife
- Provides shelter for birds; not specifically known to attract pollinators
About this plant
Thuja occidentalis 'Bobazam', commonly known as Mr. Bowling Ball, is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense, rounded form and finely textured foliage. The soft, thread-like green foliage maintains its vibrant color throughout the year, providing year-round visual interest. Unlike many other arborvitae varieties, this cultivar retains its neat, spherical shape with minimal pruning, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance landscaping.
'Bobazam' has gained popularity for use in garden borders, foundation plantings, or as an accent plant in smaller spaces. Its tidy growth habit and resilience to different conditions make it an excellent choice for adding evergreen structure and texture to the landscape. While it doesn't produce conspicuous blooms, its consistent form and lush foliage make it a valuable ornamental shrub.
Companion plants
Abelias · Tufted hair grass · Stonecrop · Coneflower · Agastache · Blazing star
Design tip
Repeat Mr. Bowling Ball at intervals to create rhythm without the stiffness of clipped topiary. Its naturally rounded form provides consistent structure, while the soft, threadlike foliage keeps repeated spheres from feeling overly formal or visually heavy.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
