This bulb dies back after flowering each year and enters a period of rest ahead of regrowth the following season.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: August to October
• Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection in cold areas)
• Bulb size: 6+
  
  This strong-growing montbretia looks stunning in late summer and autumn, when its relatively large and open-faced flowers appear on the gently splaying stems. Their vivid colouring makes ‘Constance’ a real head-turner, which will add depth and pizzazz to the colour palette.
  
  
• Garden care: Plant the corms (bulbs) in spring approximately 8-10cm deep and 10-15cm apart. Resist removing the faded foliage in autumn and cover the crown of the plant with bracken or bark chips to protect the plant against frost damage. Lift and divide congested colonies in spring, planting the divided sections 8-10cm (3-4in) deep.