Outdoor verdict
Christmas palm lives outside only in a mild winter, about 30F (USDA 10a+). A real freeze marks it. Young plants can wait in a pot. A mature one wants the ground only if the winter clears that number.
A slim, modest-height palm that loads red fruit around the holidays in the tropics, hence “Christmas palm.” It is a true Adonidia, not a Veitchia, despite older nursery tags.
Cold hardiness
Survives about 30°F / -1°C. Outdoor range USDA 10a–11b. Hover or click a zone, state, or country. Click a state to open palms that grow there.
Highlighted USDA zones 10a–11b. Green countries can be grown outdoors.
United States
In range Too cold
World
Native Can be grown
Alaska and Hawaii are state outlines with their overall zone range. A country is painted if its mildest inhabited winter is at least one USDA step milder than this palm’s hardiness.
What it is confused with
Still widely sold as Veitchia merrillii.
Winter care
Drainage matters more than a blanket. Soil: Any well-drained soil. Water: Water when the top inch is dry (mesic to xeric). Wrapping does not buy an extra zone. If the winter is colder than the kill number, keep it in a pot.
Scientific facts
- Still widely sold as Veitchia merrillii.
- Clusters of scarlet fruit sit below the crown, not hidden in the leaves.
- No real frost tolerance; a light freeze burns foliage.
Region of origin
Borneo to the Philippines
Native countries
Historical discovery
Odoardo Beccari described it (as Normanbya, then Adonidia) in 1919, naming it for botanist Elmer Merrill, who worked extensively in the Philippines.
Names
Common names
Christmas palm, Manila palm, Kerpic palm
Synonyms
- Veitchia merrillii (Becc.) H.E.Moore
- Normanbya merrillii Becc.
Full care guide
The Christmas palm, scientifically known as Veitchia merrillii, is celebrated for its red fruits and festive appearance. This palm originates from the Philippines and produces fruit in the summer that slowly turns red into the fall and winter. This palm is not very cold hardy thriving in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11.
Growth Rate:
Moderate-fast growth rate. The Manila palm adds about 1 to 2 feet to its height annually.
Fruit and Flowering:
As it matures, the Christmas palm produces clusters of small, bright red fruits that add a festive appearance. Its flowers are small but contribute to its overall beauty. Fruit starts out dark green in the summer and develops into a bright red over a couple of months.
Light Requirements:
The Christmas palm thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Water Requirements:
Maintain moderate watering. Ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Maintenance Level:
Minimal pruning requirements. Occasional removal of dead fronds helps maintain aesthetic. Regular watering and seasonal fertilization aid in its growth. Easy maintenance.
Common Diseases/Pests:
Generally resilient, the Christmas palm might encounter occasional pests like spider mites or scale insects. This palm may also be affected by Lethal Yellowing Disease, which is a disease that affects many tropical plants. Lethal yellowing is a disease believed to be caused by a plant virus.
Plant Care:
Consistent watering and providing high quality palm-specific fertilizer are key to Christmas palm growth.
Christmas Palm Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I grow a Christmas palm in a colder climate?
The Christmas palm thrives in warmer climates and is not suitable for colder regions that get below 30°F (-1°C). - How often should I fertilize my Christmas palm?
Apply palm-specific fertilizer 2-3 times a year for optimal growth. - Are Christmas palm fruits edible?
While attractive, the red fruits are not edible for humans.
The Christmas palm’s charming appearance makes it a great choice for both indoor and outdoor landscapes, adding a festive touch. With proper care, it’s sure to become a captivating centerpiece in any tropical-themed setting.
Christmas palm questions
Will Christmas palm live outside?
Yes, if winter stays above about 30F (USDA 10a+). Below that number it belongs in a pot.
What do nurseries mislabel Christmas palm as?
Common names wander. The accepted name is Adonidia merrillii. Read the Latin on the tag before you buy.
Pot or ground for Christmas palm in a cold state?
Start it in a pot if you want. The ground is fine only where winter stays above about 30F.
Related palms
The mix-up, the substitute, then nearby hardiness.
