Add a touch of tropical elegance to your landscape with the Manila Palm, also known as Veitchia Merrillii. Renowned for its slender, graceful trunk and vibrant green fronds, the Manila Palm is a stunning addition to any garden or outdoor space. This versatile palm, also called the Christmas Palm due to its bright red fruit that ripens in December, is perfect for creating a tropical paradise in both residential and commercial settings.
Features:
- Botanical Name: Veitchia Merrillii
- Common Name: Manila Palm, Christmas Palm
- Foliage: Pinnate, arching fronds with bright green leaves
- Trunk: Smooth, slender, light gray with distinct ring scars
- Size: Grows up to 20-25 feet tall with a spread of 5-10 feet
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but is somewhat drought-tolerant once established
- Climate Tolerance: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates; hardy in USDA zones 10-11
- Growth Rate: Moderate
Benefits:
- Tropical Beauty: The elegant fronds and smooth trunk add a touch of the tropics to any landscape.
- Ornamental Value: Produces bright red fruits in December, adding festive color to your garden.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it perfect for busy gardeners.
- Compact Size: Suitable for smaller gardens, patios, and as a container plant.
Care Instructions:
- Planting: Choose a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Space palms appropriately to allow for mature growth.
- Watering: Water regularly during the first year to establish the root system. Once established, reduce watering frequency but ensure consistent moisture.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release palm fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
- Pruning: Remove dead or damaged fronds to maintain a tidy appearance and support plant health.