Estimated Delivery between December 02 and December 04.
1 Bulb (Max 10 Per Customer)
£8.69
£1.00
£1.00 each
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As one of the tallest and latest-blooming alliums, 'Summer Drummer' provides a spectacular grand finale to the season. Its sturdy, towering stems can reach impressive heights, each topped with a large, dense globe composed of countless tiny, star-shaped florets. The flowers are a beautiful mix of deep purple and crisp white, creating a frosted, shimmering effect from a distance that catches the late summer light. Their sheer size and architectural stature make them an unmissable focal point in the back of the border, standing tall and proud like sentinels in the garden. The substantial globes retain their shape long after the colour fades, providing striking structural interest that carries the garden's form well into autumn, looking magnificent when touched by frost.
Summer Drummer' is a robust hybrid, a cross between Allium sphaerocephalon and the impressively tall Allium hollandicum, inheriting the late bloom time of the former and the grand size of the latter.
As one of the tallest and latest-blooming alliums, 'Summer Drummer' provides a spectacular grand finale to the season. Its sturdy, towering stems can reach impressive heights, each topped with a large, dense globe composed of countless tiny, star-shaped florets. The flowers are a beautiful mix of deep purple and crisp white, creating a frosted, shimmering effect from a distance that catches the late summer light. Their sheer size and architectural stature make them an unmissable focal point in the back of the border, standing tall and proud like sentinels in the garden. The substantial globes retain their shape long after the colour fades, providing striking structural interest that carries the garden's form well into autumn, looking magnificent when touched by frost.
Botanical name
Allium 'Summer Drummer'
Flower colour
Purple and white bicolour
Bulb size
14/+ cm
Established height
120-150 cm
Established spread
20-30 cm
Plant spacing
10-15 bulbs per m²
Leaf colour
Green
Habit
Upright
Life cycle
Perennial
Hardiness
Fully hardy
Years to establish
1st year
Sunlight
Full sun
Position
Sheltered
Suitable for
Borders, Cut flower gardens
Soil acidity
Any
Soil moisture
Free draining
Soil type
Loam, Sandy
RHS Award (AGM)
Not specified
Growing skill
Easy to grow
Pollinator-friendly
Yes
Deer resistant
Yes
Where to Plant:
As one of the tallest alliums available, select a sheltered position at the very back of a border to protect its towering stems from strong winds. A location in full sun is essential for strong growth and the best flower development. Like all alliums, it demands well-drained soil. 'Summer Drummer' is one of the last to flower, providing a grand finale to the allium season with its large, bicoloured globes of purple and white florets, extending the season of interest well into high summer.
How to Plant:
Plant the large bulbs in the autumn, from September to November. It is vital to plant them deeply to provide a secure anchor for the exceptionally tall stems. Aim for a planting depth of at least 20cm, with the pointed tip of the bulb facing upwards. Space them generously, at least 30cm apart, to allow for good air circulation and to give each impressive flower head its own space. Planting a bold group of three or five will create a dramatic vertical accent.
Aftercare:
The foliage of this variety will often start to yellow and die back before the flowers are fully open; this is perfectly normal. It is crucial to allow the leaves to wither away naturally as this process feeds the bulb for next year's display. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant. The tall, structural seed heads are very handsome and can be left standing throughout the autumn and into winter, providing valuable structure and interest in the garden.
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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
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