Tall Bearded Iris 'Christmas Time': Holiday Cheer from a 1964 Classic

The Tall Bearded Iris 'Christmas Time' wraps the late spring garden in holiday cheer, its festive name belying its spring bloom season. Introduced in 1964 by Schreiner, this mid-century cultivar has been delivering yuletide joy in May and June for nearly six decades—a testament to its enduring garden appeal.

Visual Characteristics

Cultivar Profile

Growing Notes

Schreiner's 'Christmas Time' (1964) comes from the early modern era of tall bearded iris development. The 1964 introduction date places it just before the explosion of ruffling and lacing that would characterize the late 1960s and 1970s. Cultivars from this period often have a clean, classic elegance—good substance, clear colors, and reliable garden performance without the extreme frilling of later decades. The name suggests a red-and-white or red-and-green color combination, evoking traditional holiday colors. Holiday-themed iris names are a charming subcategory: 'Christmas Time,' 'Easter Bonnet,' 'Valentine,' 'Fourth of July,' etc. These cultivars add a layer of seasonal celebration to the garden calendar. Tall bearded irises are heavy feeders; fertilize in early spring (as growth begins) and immediately after bloom with a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer. Avoid fresh manure, which can cause rot.