The best time to plant gladiolus is to plant them in warmer temperatures such as summer and springs. They are then ready to bloom in autumn and winter. It takes many years for gladiolus to grow to a perfect full size. Gladioli are mainly seen growing in various parts of Europe and Africa. There are more than hundred different species of Gladiolus growing all over the world. Gladioli are usually known as sword lily and are bright and light pink in colour. They give out a very fragrant smell. The word gladiolus means a sword in Latin. They are also available in orange purple and red colours.