Gladiolus tristis, commonly known as Ever-Flowering Gladiolus, is a deciduous perennial herb that is native to the winter rainfall region of South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape. It thrives in a variety of habitats including seasonally wet grasslands, fynbos, and the edges of forests. This species typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 meter, occasionally reaching up to 1.5 meters. It emerges from a corm that is 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter. Gladiolus tristis has a distinctive appearance with three narrow, sword-shaped leaves that sheath the stem and an inflorescence consisting of a spike with two to eight large, fragrant blooms. The flowers are notable for their white or cream tepals, each adorned with greenish or purplish longitudinal lines, and are particularly showy due to their size and sweet fragrance reminiscent of carnations and cloves. The blooming season is in the spring to early summer.

The Ever-Flowering Gladiolus is valued for its fragrant, nocturnally blooming flowers that can add a unique sensory experience to gardens. It is used for cut flowers, border plantings, and as an accent in mixed perennial beds. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil with moderate moisture. While it is relatively easy to maintain, it is sensitive to frost and may require protection in colder climates. There are no major disease problems, but corm rot can occur if the soil is too wet. It is also worth noting that Gladiolus tristis is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range, but care should be taken to prevent it from becoming a nuisance.CC BY-SA 4.0