Gladiolus is the largest genus in the Iridaceae family with around 255 species. They are perennial bulbous flowering plants, sometimes called Sword lilies, but usually by its generic name, Gladiolus. It has been studied by taxonomists and now includes the genera Acidanthera, Homoglossum, Anomalesia and Oenostachys. The geographic range includes Africa, Madagascar, Europe, and the Middle East. They are treasured the world over for their beautiful, showy flowers which grow on tall spikes. These plants are often planted in cut flower gardens or in the back along the border, as they grow 60cm to 1.8 m tall. They make excellent cut flowers and are easily grown in raised garden beds and rockeries. Most Gladioli do equally well in pots. Gladioli are the flowers associated with a fortieth wedding anniversary.

Gladiolus ferrugineus White is an indigenous plant from the summer rainfall area of South Africa. This variety blooms from summer to autumn when it produces spikes of white flowers. These make excellent cut flowers for small to medium sized vases. It grows 35 to 60 cm in height and is actively growing in summer when it produces 6 to 8 channelled leaves, the largest of which are twisted. We also have a pink variety available.