Christmas Palm

Christmas Palm Tree: A Tropical Touch of Elegance  

If you're looking to bring a tropical flair with a compact, manageable size, the Christmas Palm Tree (Adonidia merrillii) is the perfect pick. Known for its graceful appearance and festive red fruit, this palm brings beauty and charm to landscapes, patios, and even indoor spaces. 

Origin & Overview 

Native to the Philippines, the Christmas Palm—also known as the Manila Palm—is a favorite in both residential and commercial landscapes. It gets its festive nickname from the bright red fruit it produces around the holiday season. With its smooth gray trunk and feathery fronds, this palm brings a clean, tropical look to any space. 

Quick Facts: 

  • Scientific Name: Adonidia merrillii 
  • Common Names: Christmas Palm, Manila Palm, Dwarf Royal Palm
  • Family: Arecaceae
  • Hardiness Zones: 10b-11
  • Height: 15-25 ft
  • Width: 5-10 ft
  • Cold Tolerance: Down to 30°F (-1°C)
  • Water Needs: Moderate
  • Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
  • Maintenance Level: Low

Striking Appearance 

The Christmas Palm features a smooth, slender gray trunk, often with prominent rings from fallen fronds. Its feathery green fronds form a symmetrical canopy, giving it a manicured look without much effort. The palm typically grows as a single or triple trunk specimen, both of which are highly ornamental. 

Flowers & Fruit 

One of the most charming features of the Christmas Palm is its clusters of red fruits that ripen around December—hence the name! These fruits follow creamy white blossoms that bloom in summer. While the fruit is not edible, it adds a vibrant, holiday-like splash of color. 

Why Plant a Christmas Palm? 

Top 10 Benefits: 

  1. Tropical Appeal - Brings resort-style elegance to any setting. 
  2. Compact Size - Perfect for small yards, patios, or container gardens.
  3. Low Maintenance - Requires little pruning or cleanup.
  4. Festive Fruit - Red berries appear around Christmas time.
  5. Cold Tolerance - Tolerates brief dips near freezing
  6. Indoor/Outdoor Flexibility - Grows well in containers indoors or out.
  7. Pest Resistant - Not prone to major pest issues.
  8. Clean Look - Minimal fruit drop and no messy flowers.
  9. Fast Growing - Adds noticeable height and foliage within a few years.
  10. Versatile Landscaping - Ideal for entryways, pool areas, or tropical-themed gardens.

Planting & Care Tips 

Soil & Drainage: Christmas Palms prefer well-drained, sandy soil. Avoid soggy spots or heavy clay. 

Fertilizing: Use a high-quality palm fertilizer 3 times/year (spring, summer, and early fall). 

Pruning: Remove dead or damaged fronds at the base. Avoid over-pruning—it weakens the tree. 

Watering Schedule for Christmas Palms  

Container-Grown in Zones 5–9 / Ontario: 

Spring & Summer (Outdoors): 

  • Water once/week, ensuring the soil drains well. 
  • Use a container with drainage holes and avoid letting water sit in the saucer. 

Ideal For: 

  • Front entryways and poolside planters
  • Small gardens or city yards
  • Indoor tropical decor in cold climates
  • Zones 10b–11 (outdoor) or container-growing in 5–9 

Final Thoughts 

The Christmas Palm Tree is a perfect blend of beauty, charm, and ease. Whether you're looking to spruce up your landscape or bring a bit of the tropics inside during the winter months, this palm offers an elegant solution. With its holiday-colored fruits and low-maintenance care routine, it’s no wonder the Christmas Palm is a popular choice around the world.