The Manila palm (Adonidia merrillii) is a tropical delight that never goes out of style. Its name may evoke images of fun and festivities, but the tree itself is a beautiful sight to behold all year round. The moniker of this palm species is owed to the glossy fruit, known as a drupe, which appears after the plant’s creamy white summer blooms fade. When winter comes, the fruit turns a cheerful, vibrant red, giving the landscape a holiday-ready look. Whether you’re a gardener or simply a lover of tropical aesthetics, the Manila palm is sure to bring joy and color to any setting.
An overview
The Adonidia merrillii, commonly known as the Manila palm, is a low-maintenance yet visually appealing option for tropical landscapes. This palm species is known for its glossy drupes, which turn bright red during winter, adding a cheerful pop of color to any scenery. The Manila palm is a great choice for those looking for a palm that won’t take up too much space, as it quickly grows to 5 or 6 feet before leveling off to a slower growth rate that eventually reaches a mature height of 25 feet. This adaptable palm can be planted any time of year, provided that cool weather is not a concern.
- Common Name: Christmas Palm Tree, Manila palm
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen palm
- Mature Size: 15-25 ft. tall, 5-8 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Type: Clay, sand, loam, well-draining
- Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Flower Color: Cream
- Hardiness Zones: 10-11 (USDA)
- Native Area: Philippines
Christmas Palm Tree Care
If you’re in search of a tropical-looking and easy-to-maintain palm that won’t take up too much space, look no further than the Manila palm. This species has a contained growth pattern and is sought after for its manageable size, attractive appearance, and minimal upkeep. However, it’s important to note that the Manila palm thrives only in regions with warm temperatures.
Native to the Philippines, the Manila palm adapts well to the American landscape, particularly in small spaces. Planting two to four of these palms together makes for a striking mass planting. Be sure to give each sapling enough space, ideally 10 to 15 feet apart, to allow the canopies to grow without crowding.
Manila palms are easy to grow as long as they’re in the right environment. The small root ball of this species makes container gardening a viable option, as well as planting several palms close together to form a grove. Propagation from seed is recommended, as cuttings will not result in new palms.
The Manila palm thrives in full sun or partial shade, with six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day preferred for optimal fruit production. Soil type is not an issue, as this species adapts well to clay, loam, or sand as long as the soil is well-draining and neutral to alkaline.
Regular watering is essential, especially in dry regions, to prevent stunted growth and flowering. A 3-inch layer of mulch at the base of the palm can help to retain moisture. The Manila palm is sensitive to cold and will not survive below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s best to plant it in USDA zones 10 to 11 or as a container plant that can be moved indoors when temperatures drop.
A specialized palm fertilizer can help to alleviate boron deficiency, which is common in this species. Manila palms are self-cleaning, shedding their dead fronds naturally, and require minimal pruning. Cleaning up or cutting away dead, rotting, or fallen fruits is the only maintenance task needed, as neglecting this can lead to unpleasant odors, insects, and pathogens. To minimize fruiting, you can carefully prune off some of the flowering stems or remove the fruit clusters before they ripen and fall to the ground.
