Adonidia merrillii
One look at their smooth single trunks and gracefully flowing fronds and it’s easy to see why Christmas palms (also known as adonidia palms) rank so high in popularity. These tropical beauties are so popular they rate as one of the most widely grown palm trees worldwide. Although Christmas palms only thrive outdoors year-round in frost-free climates found in USDA zones 10 through 11, those living in cooler climates won’t be disappointed, as this stunning palm is sure to bring seasonal beauty to locations during the warmer portions of the year.
Christmas palms, also called Manila palms because of their native range in the Philippines, earn their common name from the colorful berries produced during the holiday season. During fall and winter, the palm takes on the appearance of being decorated for Christmas with the thick clusters of bright red, 1.5-inch fruits adorning the tree. The brightly colored fruit clusters are sure to make a statement and catch the eye’s attention standing out against the green foliage.
The blooming process begins in mid-summer when cream-colored flower clusters form at the canopy’s base. As the flowers develop they eventually turn into clusters of dark green fruits that over the next few months change into the bright red fruit clusters the Christmas palm is known for.
The adonidia palm quickly grows to a height of around 6 feet and then its growth slows down just a bit until it reaches a mature height of around 25 feet. Christmas palms produce a smooth and solitary 6-inch trunk that is gray except for the extreme upper portion which is smooth and green. Trunks can sometimes curve adding to the palm’s appealing appearance. The palm is sometimes referred to as a miniature royal palm due to it resembling a smaller version of this stately tropical palm.
Christmas palms are then topped off with a 5 to 10 foot wide canopy filled with attractive arching and feathery fronds. Each of the fronds grows around 4 to 5 feet long and is held in a v-formation along the frond’s center stem. The flowy fronds are guaranteed to add a tropical feel to any location where the palm is utilized.
Basic Care and Conditions for Good Growth
Christmas palms grow well placed in a location that receives full sun throughout the day or partial shade. However, a sunny location produces the best growth. The palm also prefers growing in well-drained soil that doesn’t have a tendency to remain wet and soggy, which can create problems with disease. They grow well planted directly in the landscape and also grow quite well in containers, provided the pot has bottom drainage.
The adonidia palm tolerates salt spray, making it a good choice for coastal locations and takes the heat without skipping a beat. Christmas palms are drought-tolerant and when grown in containers only require a drink when the top 3 to 4 inches of soil becomes dry. When first planted in the landscape you should water several times weekly for the first month and then you can cut back to weekly water applications thereafter.
Although relatively free from disease problems, you can keep your Christmas palm performing up to its best by feeding it three or four times yearly. Be sure to use a high-quality palm special spread evenly under the tree’s canopy. Be sure to water the fertilizer into the soil after applying and follow package directions on amounts.
Other than the palm’s obvious flashy good looks, another good thing about Christmas palms is they are self-cleaning. This means you won’t have to worry about pruning off spent fronds because they’ll fall off the tree by themselves when ready. The palm takes all the worry out of when is the best time to prune because the tree takes care of the problem for you.
Christmas Palm Cold Tolerance
Christmas palms tolerate cold temperatures down to 40℉ and can suffer damage or even death when exposed to lower temperature drops. Due to their smaller and more manageable size and because they take well to containerized growth, those experiencing cold winters can always bring the palm indoors to a warm and protected location until the freezing weather passes. This tropical palm won’t survive winters in Atlanta or the North Georgia area as the temperatures just get too cold.
Showy Staging Specimen
Atlanta Palms lists the Christmas Palm under its Annual Palms along with others that are tropical in nature. These palms are perfect for seasonal use whether at your business or home from May through October. These palms won’t survive living year-round outdoors in North Georgia or the Atlanta area due to the harsh winters but are perfect for bringing some seasonal tropics to your local environment. Christmas palms make elegant and striking specimens that are sure to give any area a beachy and tropical feel. With their flowy and aching feathery fronds, they’ll easily add a sophisticated appeal used as accents on a porch, patio, deck or giving an exotic feel to a pool area. You’ll instantly feel like you’re vacationing at a swanky beach resort all from the privacy of your own home.
During the warmer months you can even pump up the flavor of your business by adding several Christmas palms to the location. Whether dressing up a deck or adding to a tropical atmosphere, a Christmas palm is sure to bring a bit of classy elegance to the area. Best of all, their tall vertical habit makes them the perfect addition to smaller areas without overpowering the location.
Our collection of Christmas palms isn’t in short supply and don’t be surprised if you notice this fast-grower putting on some height while it graces your premises. The only maintenance you’ll have to worry about is giving the palm a drink of water when the top few inches of soil become dry. That’s it!
Buy or Rent a Christmas Palm
Whether you’re looking for a permanent palm or just would like to rent for a time, Atlanta Palms sells and rents Christmas palms year-round. If you’re interested in buying a Christmas palm, we offer free delivery within a 30-mile radius.
Are you staging a special indoor event sometime during November through April while winter is still leaving its calling card in North Georgia? Don’t let that discourage you from thinking you can’t have that tropical decor you dreamed of because you can rent Christmas palms from us. You’ll be surprised at how Christmas palms will have your event rising to another level with nothing more than their exotic good looks.
No matter the time of year, Atlanta Palms is here to assist you in your staging endeavors and help your event have the “wow” factor you dreamed of and all with the assistance of some Christmas palms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Palm Trees
Can the Adonidia (Christmas) Palm grow in North Georgia?
Although Christmas palms will grow well in North Georgia during the warmer months, they won’t survive winters in the Atlanta area or North Georgia being hardy only to 30℉.
How tall do Christmas palms grow?
Christmas palms (also known as Adonidia palms) can grow as tall as 25 feet tall. At first, they’ll grow fast until they reach 6 feet tall, then the growth slows down until they reach full height. At Atlanta Palms, we sell Christmas palms starting at 6’ with 15 and 30 gallon options.
