Allium 'Summer Drummer'

Dispatch begins week of 14 September
Autumn planting varieties are seasonal and become available at the start of September. We will then prepare your order and begin dispatch during the week beginning Monday 14 September.

Choose your pack size Planting impact; savings vs smallest pack
10 bulbs
Planting coverageFills 1-2 pots or a compact group
£11.09
£1.11 each
25 bulbs
Most popular Creates a generous border group
£24.79
£0.99 each
Save 11% each
50 bulbs
Best value Creates a broad border drift
£41.89
£0.84 each
Save 24% each

Free delivery on £40+ orders

Carbon-Neutral Delivery

Bloom or Bust Guarantee

Summer Drummer, often admired for its purple, white colouring, is a bulb variety especially well suited to borders.

Allium 'Summer Drummer' is the sort of perennial that lends a garden instant composure. Towering stems carry tightly packed, spherical flowerheads in pale purple with lighter highlights, rising well above neighbouring planting for a clean, architectural finish in high summer.

Plant the generous bulbs in autumn and allow them to settle in; by their second season they begin to make a handsome, long-legged statement—ideal threaded through borders, cottage-style planting, or neatly designed city courtyards. The blooms are also excellent for cutting, bringing height and poise to arrangements.

  • Bulb size: 18/20
  • Habit: Clump-forming perennial with tall, upright stems
  • Flowering: July–August
  • Best for: Borders, cottage gardens, city & courtyard gardens, cut flowers
Botanical name Allium 'Summer Drummer'
Flower colour Purple, White
Bulb size 18/20
Established height 150-250cm
Established spread 10cm
Plant spacing 20-30cm
Leaf colour Green
Habit Clump-forming
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully Hardy
Years to establish 2
Sunlight Full-Sun
Position Sheltered
Suitable for Borders, Cottage gardens, City & courtyard gardens, Cut flowers
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Well-drained
Soil type Clay
RHS Award (AGM) No
Growing skill Easy
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant Yes

Where to Plant:

Allium 'Summer Drummer' needs full-sun and a warm, sheltered position for the best flowering. Plant into fertile, humus-rich soil that drains well, and choose a spot protected from strong winds, especially for taller varieties.

How to Plant:

Plant bulb from September to December once conditions are suitable. Set them at the correct depth for the variety, spacing 20-30cm apart where relevant, then firm in gently and water well after planting.

Aftercare:

Water regularly in dry weather and feed every two to three weeks once buds appear. Stake taller stems early and deadhead to keep plants flowering. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally before lifting or protecting bulb according to local conditions.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Planting
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Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

Good for cutting

Naturalising

Allium 'Summer Drummer' - Harding & Bloom

Allium 'Summer Drummer'

£11.09

£11.09

The Finest Bulbs

We partner with elite growers to provide only top-size, professional-grade bulbs. Bigger bulbs mean stronger roots and more spectacular blooms.

A Greener Thumb

We are committed to a healthier planet, using sustainable growing practices and mindfully chosen, recyclable packaging.

An Unrivaled Selection

Discover an extensive collection of both timeless classics and rare, exclusive varieties to create a garden that is uniquely yours.

Our Bloom Guarantee

If a bulb or plant fails to perform in its first growing season after the care instructions have been followed, we will normally offer a replacement or store credit for the affected item. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Kind Words from Our Gardeners

Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!

Careane Wallace

Oxfordshire, UK

The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again

David P

Kent, UK

I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!

Eleanor R

Somerset