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 cruentus, commonly known as Rooiswaardlelie in Afrikaans, is a critically endangered South African endemic species found in the KwaZulu-Natal province between Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown and Inanda, with isolated occurrences at Umbululu, Little Noodsberg and Kranskop. It is found growing in scarp forest, on damp sandstone cliffs, often near waterfalls, or anywhere where water drips continuously during the growth season. It generally prefers south-facing cliffs at altitudes of 400-900 meters. It bears erect inflorescence with a stout, straight stem with bracts of about 45mm long and bright, deep red flowers about 60mm in diameter large, they are downward facing and appear in summer between January and March.  The flowers are edible and can be added to salads. They attract pollinating insects and birds to the garden. Gladiolus cruentus is an ideal specimen for a mixed border and makes for a lovely feature in a rockery or less formal grassland type garden, especially when planted in groups together.