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 phoenix is a South African endemic species from the Western Cape Provinces Bain’s Kloof Mountains. It grows to 70cm tall and has flat leaves that are up to 2cm wide. During summer it bears an erect branched flower stem with 9-12 flowers that are deep pink with a white spear-shaped mark on lower tepals. This species is very showy but only flowers after fire. This effect can be mirrored by watering the plants with smoke primer. It is best sown during autumn.