Adonidia Palm
Adonidia merrillii
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Adonidia Palm
Christmas Palm (Adonidia merrillii) is a slender, self-cleaning solitary palm from the Philippines, named for its clusters of bright red fruits that ripen in late fall and winter. It is cold hardy only to USDA zone 10b (about 30°F) and is therefore a high-risk choice for NE Florida zone 9b — protect from frost or site in a warm microclimate near a south-facing structure. Starting at $135.00.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Handles summer heat well once established. Can be planted with extra attention to watering.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter. May need protection below 25°F.
Care essentials
Requires full sun for optimal growth and fruiting. Christmas Palm is not shade-tolerant; plant in a location receiving at least 6–8 hours of direct sun daily.
Water regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods. Once established, Christmas Palm has moderate water needs and does not tolerate prolonged drought. Apply an 8-2-12 palm fertilizer with micronutrients 3–4 times per year to maintain health.
Prefers well-drained sandy or loam soil. Fertilize with a palm-specific granular fertilizer (8N-2P-12K plus micronutrients) three to four times per year. Poor nutrition reduces cold tolerance, which is critical in zone 9b where this palm is marginally hardy.
Similar needs
Bottle Palm
Shares 3 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, and sandy.
Coconut Palm
Shares 3 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, and sandy.
Foxtail Palm
Shares 3 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, and sandy.
Mule Palm
Shares 3 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, and sandy.
Pygmy Date Palm
Shares 3 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, and sandy.
Queen Palm
Shares 3 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, and sandy.
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Common questions
Is Adonidia Palm a good plant for St. Augustine?
Adonidia Palm is a palm for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 20-25 feet × 5-8 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.