Companion Planting with Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae: The Ultimate Guide

Oleh Anonymous December 30, 2021 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae Companion Plants

If you're looking for a low-maintenance, compact shrub that can add some interest to your garden, Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae is an excellent choice. However, one of the challenges with this plant is finding suitable companion plants that won't compete for resources or outgrow it. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best plants to pair with Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae.

Section 1: Understanding Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae

Before we dive into companion planting, let's take a closer look at Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae itself. This plant is a cultivar of the native American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), also known as white cedar. It has a unique, globular shape that makes it stand out in the landscape. Here are some key features of Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae:

Size and Shape

Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae typically grows to be around 3 feet tall and wide. Its shape is round, dense, and symmetrical, making it an excellent choice for edging or borders.

Foliage

The foliage of Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae is a medium green color and is soft to the touch. The needles grow in flat sprays and have a scale-like appearance. The plant is evergreen, meaning it will retain its foliage year-round.

Growth Habits

Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae is a slow-growing plant, which makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.

Section 2: Best Companion Plants for Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae

Now that we have a better understanding of Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae, let's dive into some of the best companion plants to pair with it. Keep in mind that these plants should complement Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae without competing for resources or outgrowing it.

1. Dwarf Japanese Maple

Dwarf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is an excellent companion plant for Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae. Like Mr. Bowling Ball, this plant has a compact size and unique shape that can add interest to your garden. The foliage of Dwarf Japanese Maple comes in a variety of colors, including red, purple, and green, which can create a stunning contrast with Mr. Bowling Ball's medium green needles.

Planting Tips:

When planting Dwarf Japanese Maple, make sure to provide it with partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Avoid planting it in areas that receive direct sunlight, as this can scorch its delicate leaves.

2. Coral Bells

Coral Bells (Heuchera) is another great companion plant for Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae. This plant is known for its colorful foliage, which can range from deep purple to chartreuse. Its mounding habit complements Mr. Bowling Ball's globular shape nicely, creating a harmonious look.

Planting Tips:

Coral Bells prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist, as this plant is sensitive to drought.

3. Blue Star Juniper

Blue Star Juniper (Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star') is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that pairs well with Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae. Its blue-gray needles create a nice contrast with Mr. Bowling Ball's green foliage. Like Mr. Bowling Ball, Blue Star Juniper is low-maintenance and easy to care for.

Planting Tips:

Blue Star Juniper prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid planting it in areas that receive excessive moisture, as this can lead to root rot.

4. Creeping Phlox

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) is a groundcover plant that can be used to create a colorful carpet around Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae. Its vibrant pink, purple, or white flowers can add some much-needed color to your garden, while its low-spreading habit won't compete with Mr. Bowling Ball's shape.

Planting Tips:

Creeping Phlox prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot.

Section 3: Plants to Avoid Pairing with Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae

While there are many plants that pair well with Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae, there are also some that should be avoided. Here are a few examples:

1. Fast-Growing Shrubs

Avoid pairing Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae with fast-growing shrubs like Forsythia or Spirea. These plants can quickly outgrow Mr. Bowling Ball, making it look dwarfed and unbalanced.

2. Vines

Vines like English Ivy or Trumpet Vine should also be avoided, as they can quickly climb up Mr. Bowling Ball and smother it.

3. Plants with Similar Shapes

Avoid pairing Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae with plants that have a similar shape, such as Boxwood or Globe Arborvitae. This can create a monotonous look in your garden.

Section 4: Tips for Successful Companion Planting with Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae

Now that you have some ideas for companion planting with Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae, here are a few tips to ensure success:

1. Consider Sun Exposure

When selecting companion plants, make sure to choose ones that have similar sun exposure requirements as Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae. This will ensure that all plants receive the appropriate amount of light.

2. Pay Attention to Soil Moisture

Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae prefers well-drained soil, so make sure to choose companion plants that have similar soil moisture requirements. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to root rot or other diseases.

3. Think About Color Contrast

Pairing Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae with plants that have contrasting colors can create a visually stunning garden. Consider using plants with foliage or flowers in shades of yellow, red, purple, or blue.

Section 5: FAQs

Q1: Can I plant Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae in a container?

Yes, Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae can be planted in a container. Make sure to use a container that is large enough to accommodate the plant's roots and provide adequate drainage.

Q2: How often should I water Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae?

Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae prefers well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. In general, you should water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.

Q3: Does Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae require pruning?

Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae is a slow-growing plant that typically doesn't require pruning. However, you can trim back any dead or damaged branches as needed.

Q4: How do I protect Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae from pests and diseases?

To protect Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae from pests and diseases, make sure to keep the soil consistently moist and avoid overfertilizing. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests like spider mites or scale insects.

Q5: Is Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae deer-resistant?

Yes, Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae is considered to be deer-resistant. Its dense foliage and prickly needles make it unappealing to deer.

In Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae is an excellent choice for a low-maintenance, compact shrub in your garden. By pairing it with suitable companion plants, you can create a visually stunning landscape that will be the envy of your neighbors. Remember to pay attention to sun exposure, soil moisture, and color contrast when selecting companion plants, and avoid planting fast-growing shrubs, vines, or plants with similar shapes. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful garden with Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae as the centerpiece.