Conifers
Anna's Magic Ball arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Anna van Vloten'
Golden evergreen foliage gives Thuja occidentalis 'Anna van Vloten' a distinct presence in a small planting. This dwarf arborvitae forms a dense, rounded globe, generally reaching about 10–18 inches high and 12–18 inches wide. Its color and compact outline remain visible through winter, making it useful near a path or at the front of a border where its mature width can be accommodated. This small shrub needs moisture at its roots without standing water; a sunny or partly shaded position suits it. In Southwest Washington, choose a spot that drains through wet weather and water during dry periods while the plant establishes. Deer may browse the foliage.
Ask about this plantAt a glance
- Mature height
- About 10–18 inches
- Mature spread
- About 12–18 inches
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- USDA zone 3
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Its low, rounded form can mark the front of a border or edge a path. The golden evergreen foliage provides color through winter.
Where to plant
Plant in full sun to partial shade with room for the globe to develop. Avoid full shade, where arborvitae foliage may thin.
Through the seasons
Golden to yellow-toned foliage remains on the plant year-round. Inspect browned shoot tips in late winter for signs of cypress tip moth.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
In Southwest Washington, choose a site that drains during wet weather. Check soil moisture during summer dry spells, particularly while the plant establishes.
Soil, drainage & water
Provide moist, well-drained soil. Avoid spots that stay saturated in winter, and water during dry periods while roots establish.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Water during dry periods while the plant establishes, keeping the soil moist without leaving it saturated. Check the foliage for deer browsing.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Cypress tip moth
Shoot tips turn brown in late winter; dark exit holes may appear in affected tips.
Help your plant thrive
Inspect browned tips in late winter. If you find tunneled tips or exit holes, follow local nonchemical management guidance.
Deer browsing
Foliage is browsed or missing.
Help your plant thrive
Protect plants where deer regularly browse.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
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Weeping Norway Spruce
Picea abies 'Pendula'
A sculptural evergreen with hanging branches that can become an upright specimen or a low spreading feature, depending on its form and early training.
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Cupressina Norway Spruce
Picea abies 'Cupressina'
Dense, ascending branches create a slender evergreen column, offering substantial height and winter structure where a full-width spruce would demand too much horizontal space.
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Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA
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Weeping White Spruce
Picea glauca 'Pendula'
A narrow evergreen with an upright leader and dramatically hanging blue-green branches, suited to a cool, open planting space where its tall silhouette can develop.
Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
Let’s find the right plant
for your place.
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