Anna's Magic Ball Arborvitae (Thuja)
Best low-maintenance evergreen for small gardens and container planting.
Anna's Magic Ball® Arborvitae is a super-dwarf evergreen shrub celebrated for its naturally compact, spherical form and year-round golden foliage. This exceptionally cold-hardy variety thrives in zones 3-8, making it a resilient addition to any garden. It's ideal for small spaces, rock gardens, and containers, offering low-maintenance beauty. Requiring minimal shaping, it prefers moist, well-draining soil and full to partial sun, making it perfect for gardeners of all levels seeking enduring color and structure.
$23.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1635
/ 2688
#1635 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-39%
Below average
Botanical name
Thuja occidentalis 'Anna van Vloten'
/ Thuja occidentalis 'Anna van Vloten'
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant, year-round landscape contrast
- Busy homeowners wanting a naturally tidy, low-maintenance shrub
- Cold-climate residents needing reliable, winter-hardy greenery
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in regions with harsh, drying winter winds
- People living in areas with frequent summer water restrictions
- Homeowners managing properties with high local deer populations
Performance breakdown
Maintenance Effort
Naturally tidy growth habit eliminates the need for frequent pruning.
Winter Resilience
Exceptional cold hardiness ensures survival in even the harshest northern climates.
Space Efficiency
Compact spherical form fits perfectly into containers and tight garden corners.
Visual Impact
Vibrant golden foliage provides consistent color throughout the entire year.
Wildlife Compatibility
Lacks natural deer resistance, requiring protection in areas with high populations.
Versatility
Adapts well to both container gardening and traditional landscape border planting.
Key Specs
Botanical name
Thuja occidentalis 'Anna van Vloten'
Patent
USPP 25,868
USDA Hardiness Zones
3 - 8
Mature Height
2-3 feet
Mature Width
3-4 feet
Light Requirement
Full Sun to Partial Sun
Foliage Color
Golden
Plant Form
Mounding
Features
- Naturally forms a tidy ball shape.
- Golden foliage provides year-round color.
- Exceptional cold hardiness for harsh winters.
- Perfect for small spaces and containers.
- Low maintenance, ideal for beginners.
- Adds structure and color to landscapes.
- Requires minimal pruning.
- Durable and resilient evergreen.
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise Anna's Magic Ball Arborvitae for its exceptional, year-round chartreuse to bright yellow foliage and naturally compact globe shape. This low maintenance habit eliminates the need for constant shearing, making it perfect for small spaces and borders. Reviewers value its robust hardiness and the vibrant color retention, especially during the spring flush. While the plant is generally easy to care for, success depends on proper siting. Providing afternoon shade in areas with intense summer heat prevents foliage scorching. Initial establishment requires consistent watering. Overall, this specimen is considered a highly valuable, visually striking, and structurally reliable landscape addition.
Know before you buy
No, this variety is naturally compact and maintains a tidy, mounding habit on its own. You will rarely, if ever, need to prune it to keep its shape.
Yes, its small size and slow growth rate make it an excellent choice for containers. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix.
Absolutely. Anna's Magic Ball is exceptionally cold-hardy and thrives in USDA zones 3 through 8, meaning it can withstand harsh winter temperatures without issue.
No, this plant is not considered deer resistant. If you live in an area with a high deer population, you may need to use protective netting or repellent sprays to prevent browsing.
For the best golden foliage color, plant it in a spot that receives full sun to partial sun. While it can tolerate some shade, the color may lean more toward lime green if it does not get enough light.
It prefers moist, well-draining soil. Avoid planting it in areas where water tends to pool, as consistently soggy soil can lead to root issues.
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$24