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 miniatus, synonymously known as Gladiolus floribundus subsp. miniatus, is a South African endemic plant that only occurs naturally in the Western Cape Province from Hawston to Agulhas. It grows to 40cm tall. It has a fan of 4 leaves and has long wide-necked cream to salmon pink flowers with dark stripes in spring. It is best sown from seed in autumn or winter.