The Manila palm is a tropical tree native to the Philippines and Malaysia that grows 15 to 25 feet tall with slender grey trunks and bright green, arching fronds. Hardy only in zone 10, this drought-tolerant species thrives in full sun and requires minimal maintenance once established. Often planted in groups of three to create a multi-stemmed landscape effect, Manila palms grow relatively quickly compared to other palm species and are largely self-pruning, shedding their older brown leaves naturally.
Full Sun
Moderate
10-10
300in H x 96in W
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High
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Slender, elegant grey trunks topped with stiff, arching bright green fronds create an unmistakably tropical silhouette that grows 15 to 25 feet tall. Manila palms are remarkably self-sufficient once established, dropping their dead leaves on their own and tolerating drought well. They bloom in summer with large flowers and grow notably faster than many other palm species, making them a refreshingly low-maintenance choice for tropical gardeners.
The Manila palm serves primarily as a landscape ornamental tree, prized for its tropical aesthetic in warm climates. It is commonly planted singly as a specimen tree or in groupings of three to create a multi-stemmed appearance in gardens and residential yards. Its relatively quick growth rate and low maintenance needs have made it a popular choice for creating tropical garden settings in zone 10 regions.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Manila palms can be propagated from seed in humid, tropical environments with moist, well-draining soil.
Manila palms are self-pruning, meaning older brown leaves will naturally fall away without intervention. Remove dead fronds as desired for aesthetics, but regular pruning is not necessary for healthy growth.
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“Adonidia merrillii is native to portions of the Philippines and Malaysia, where it has grown for centuries in tropical climates. The common name 'Manila palm' references its Philippine origins, while the species name honors another explorer or botanist connected to the region. The variety has become widely cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, valued for its compact form and reliability in warm climates.”