Iris Iris 'Medway Valley' (MTB)
ABOUT
The Iris 'Medway Valley' is a captivating plant known for its ornamental attributes, particularly its exquisite flowers. It falls under the class of irises generally referred to as "bearded irises," owing to the soft, hair-like structures that adorn the falls of the blooms. The 'Medway Valley' variety produces blossoms that present a delightful mix of colors, typically with a combination of soft pastels and contrasting vivid accents which may include shades of yellow, blue, purple, and white, among others. The flowers of 'Medway Valley' exhibit the classic iris form, which includes three upright petals known as standards and three downward-curving petals called falls. The standards rise gracefully, providing a backdrop to the more prominent falls that display the characteristic "beard." This beard often stands out in a contrasting color, attracting pollinators and the admiring gaze of gardeners alike. The foliage of 'Medway Valley' consists of long, slender, sword-shaped leaves that grow in a dense, upright clump. These leaves are typically a rich green in color and have a slightly arching habit, which adds to the overall texture and form of the plant. The leaves emerge from sturdy rhizomes that spread horizontally below the surface of the soil, enabling the plant to gradually increase in clump size, contributing to the lush appearance of the perennial border. The unique charm of the Iris 'Medway Valley' makes it a sought-after variety for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and color variation to their garden spaces. Its striking blooms, paired with its attractive foliage, make it a show-stopper during its blooming season, which occurs in late spring to early summer, depending on the climate and local growing conditions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae.
Synonyms
Iris 'Medway Valley', Miniature Tall Bearded Iris.
Common names
Iris 'Medway Valley' (MTB)
ToxicityTo humans
Irises, including the cultivar Iris 'Medway Valley' (MTB), can be toxic if ingested. The most toxic part is the rhizome, or the root, which contains irisin, iridin, or irisine which can cause digestive issues. If eaten, symptoms of poisoning may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the plant, particularly the bulb, can sometimes cause skin irritation due to the presence of irritating substances.
To pets
Irises, including the cultivar Iris 'Medway Valley' (MTB), are toxic to pets like dogs and cats if ingested. The rhizomes contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms of poisoning in pets after ingestion can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, irritations to the mouth and esophagus may occur due to the plant's irritant compounds.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
18 inches (45 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Varies
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Iris 'Medway Valley' adds visual interest to gardens with its striking flowers and foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it often requires less water, making it suitable for water-conservative landscapes.
- Ease of Care: It is known for being low-maintenance, needing minimal care once it's well-established in the right conditions.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a vibrant display in spring when it blooms, enhancing the seasonal appeal of a garden.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for borders, rock gardens, and as cut flowers, thus providing various landscaping uses.
- Hardy Nature: It is resilient to many pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Rapid Growth: Can quickly fill in an area, making it ideal for gardeners who want to see fast results.
- Propagation: Can be easily divided to create new plants and spread throughout the garden or shared with others.
- Mixed Planting: Works well in combination with other perennials to create a diverse and engaging garden display.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Iris 'Medway Valley' can be used as a natural dye, as the flowers, when boiled, can produce dyes ranging from yellows to purples depending on the mordant used.
- The fibers from the leaves of the MTB can be used in traditional crafting for basket weaving and textile arts due to their strength and flexibility.
- Dried Iris 'Medway Valley' petals can be incorporated into homemade paper to create a decorative feature with their distinct patterns and colors.
- The plant can function as a natural pest deterrent in gardens since some species of iris are known to repel certain types of rodents and deer.
- Iris 'Medway Valley' can be used as a biological indicator for certain pollutants in water bodies as they may show changes in their growth or leaf color in response to contaminated water.
- The stems of the iris can be used for crafting small instruments or tools, leveraging their hollow and sturdy nature.
- Rhizomes of Iris 'Medway Valley', after thorough cleaning, can be carved into intricate stamps for use in craft projects or traditional printing practices.
- Fallen Iris 'Medway Valley' petals can serve as a natural mulch providing soil nutrients as they decompose, while also adding aesthetic value to garden beds.
- In floral art, the unique and striking form of the iris is used as a structural component in arrangements and installations, exploiting the bloom's distinctive appearance for visual interest.
- Photographers and nature enthusiasts may cultivate Iris 'Medway Valley' specifically to attract and photograph pollinators such as butterflies and bees, which are commonly found feeding on their nectar.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Faith: The Iris represents faith, inspiring belief and hope in various cultures.
- Hope: Its resilient nature makes it a symbol of hope, often used to convey the sentiment of looking forward to something positive.
- Wisdom: Historically, the Iris is associated with wisdom, especially in Greek culture, as it was named after the Greek messenger of the gods, Iris, who was considered wise.
- Courage: The robustness of the Iris also symbolizes courage, reflected in its ability to grow in diverse conditions and still bloom beautifully.
- Royalty: With its regal appearance, the Iris often represents royalty and majesty, embodying the elegance and grandeur associated with kings and queens.
WaterTall bearded irises, including the Iris 'Medway Valley', require consistent moisture, especially during the growing season, which is early spring through summer. They should be watered deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water each time, or roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard. In hot, dry periods, increase watering to twice per week, being careful not to overwater and cause standing water, as this can lead to root rot. During the winter dormancy, reduce watering significantly, as irises require drier conditions when not actively growing.
LightThe Iris 'Medway Valley' thrives best in full sun conditions. It should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting is a south-facing or west-facing garden bed where it can enjoy the ample sunshine throughout the day. Avoid planting in areas that are shaded for the majority of the day, as too much shade can impede blooming and overall vitality.
TemperatureTall bearded irises like the Iris 'Medway Valley' perform well in a range of temperatures but prefer cooler climates. They can survive winter temperatures as low as -40 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, while in the growing season, they enjoy temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, irises can tolerate summer heat if they have sufficient moisture and are planted in well-draining soil.
PruningPrune Iris 'Medway Valley' to maintain plant health and encourage future blooms. After flowering, cut back the flower stalks to the base to prevent seed formation. In late summer or early fall, trim the foliage to about 6 inches to prepare the plant for winter and facilitate new growth in spring. Remove any dead or damaged leaves as needed throughout the growing season. The best time for major pruning is post-blooming and pre-frost.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMiniature Tall Bearded Irises like 'Medway Valley' thrive best in well-draining soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH, ranging from 6.8 to 7.0. A good soil mix could include loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand to facilitate drainage. Amending with organic matter will help in providing the necessary nutrients.
RepottingMiniature Tall Bearded Irises, such as 'Medway Valley,' generally do not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. It's recommended to divide and repot them every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain plant vigor.
Humidity & MistingMiniature Tall Bearded Irises, like 'Medway Valley,' do not require high humidity and are quite tolerant of the typical humidity levels found in temperate climates. They can thrive in the range of 40-60% relative humidity which is common in many growing regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-drained soil, moderate water, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining area; water when topsoil is dry.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Iris 'Medway Valley', also known as Median Iris, begins its life cycle when the rhizome (underground stem) is planted in the soil during late summer to autumn. In spring, new growth emerges as the plant produces long, slender leaves and flower stems that each bear one to several attractive flowers, typically blooming between late spring and early summer. After flowering, the plant sets seed in a capsule that, when mature, splits open to release the seeds. During the summer, the foliage continues photosynthesis, providing energy for the rhizome to store for the next year's growth cycle. In the fall, the leaves start to die back as the plant enters dormancy to survive the winter. The cycle resumes the following spring when temperatures rise, and the Iris 'Medway Valley' begins to grow and bloom again, often multiplying by division of the rhizome to create new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Iris 'Medway Valley', also known as the Miniature Tall Bearded (MTB) Iris, is most commonly propagated through division of its rhizomes. The best time to propagate is late summer to early fall, after the blooming period has ended, but while the plant is still active. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of rhizomes and gently separate them, ensuring that each section has a fan of leaves and healthy roots attached. Trim the leaves to about one-third their height, or roughly 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), to reduce transpiration and stress on the plant. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. After planting, water the divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This process allows gardeners to expand their collection of Iris 'Medway Valley' or refresh older clumps that may have become overcrowded, which can lead to reduced flowering.
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