The Latin specific epithet Xiphium refers to the Greek word for sword xiphos.

[1] All species in this subgenus are true bulbs, and are native to southwest Europe (southern Spain, Portugal and southern France) and northern Africa.

They generally flower between early to mid-summer and each stem produces between 1 - 3 flowers.

Most bulbs should be planted in late autumn, 10 cm deep and between 5–10 cm apart.

[3] Section Xiphium Horticultural hybrids