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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Thuja occidentalis 'Bobazam'

Mr. Bowling Ball

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Not applicable

Find this plant

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.