Christmas Palm (Triple) (Adonidia merrillii)
The Christmas Palm—also called the Manila Palm—is a premium, clean-looking landscape palm known for its smooth gray trunk, compact canopy, and bright red fruit clusters that often appear in late fall and winter (giving it the “Christmas” name). The triple form means you’re getting a three-trunk cluster for a fuller, high-end look—perfect for entryways, pool areas, and modern tropical landscapes.
Ideal for: full sun to partial sun landscapes, entryways/driveways, patios, pool areas, coastal-style gardens, and container planting (when young) in warm climates.
🌴 Plant Features
Botanical Name: Adonidia merrillii (often sold as Veitchia merrillii)
Common Name: Christmas Palm, Manila Palm
Plant Type: Evergreen feather palm (clustered triple trunk)
Foliage: Arching pinnate fronds; lush, compact tropical crown
Growth Habit: Triple-trunk cluster (3 stems) with clean crownshafts; refined, upscale look
Mature Size:
• Height: ~15–25 ft outdoors (varies by climate and care)
• Width/Spread: ~8–12 ft canopy (cluster form appears fuller)
Visual Style: Compact, resort-modern statement palm with a “clean trunk” look
USDA Zones: 10–11 (best in frost-free areas; microclimates vary)
🪴 Care & Maintenance Guide
🌞 Light
Best: Full sun to partial sun
Tip: Full sun promotes a denser crown and best growth
Avoid: Deep shade (slower growth, thinner canopy)
💧 Watering
Establishment: Water regularly during the first growing season
After established: Moderate water needs—deep water, then allow top soil to dry slightly
Containers: Water when the top few inches begin to dry; never keep consistently wet
Tip: Good drainage is essential—palms dislike soggy soil
🪨 Soil
Well-draining soil is best (sandy/loamy ideal)
Tolerates a range of soils if drainage is good
Containers: Use a palm mix + drainage holes
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Prefers warm, humid to moderately humid conditions
Protect from cold snaps/frost; avoid prolonged cold + wet soil (highest stress/rot risk)
🌿 Fertilization
Feed 2–3x per year (spring/summer/fall) with a palm fertilizer including micronutrients (Mg/Mn/Fe)
Tip: Proper palm nutrition helps prevent yellowing and weak fronds
✂️ Pruning
Remove only fully brown fronds
Avoid over-pruning—keeping green fronds supports faster growth and a fuller crown
Remove fruit stalks if you prefer less litter
⚠️ Common Issues
Yellowing fronds: nutrient deficiency (use palm fertilizer with micronutrients)
Brown tips: underwatering, salt buildup, or heat/wind stress
Slow growth: low light or low nutrition
Scale: occasional—treat early if detected
📦 What You’ll Receive
One healthy Christmas Palm (Triple) (Adonidia merrillii) in a nursery pot
A three-trunk cluster (triple) for a fuller look (natural variation in trunk thickness is normal)
Natural variations in height, frond count, and fullness are normal
Minor cosmetic markings may occur from normal growing/handling
Acclimation Tip:
Allow 2–4 days after delivery before planting or repotting. If grown under shade cloth, introduce to stronger sun gradually. Keep evenly moist (not soggy) during the first few weeks to support root establishment.
⚠️ Safety Note
This palm can produce fruit that drops and may create litter—plan placement accordingly (patios/pools/driveways). Frond bases can be scratchy; use gloves when handling or pruning.