White Flower Farm
Allium 'Summer Drummer'
Best tall perennial for gardeners seeking deer-resistant, high-impact summer color.
Allium 'Summer Drummer' is an award-winning variety that commands attention in the garden border, soaring 4 to 6 feet tall. It boasts impressive grapefruit-sized globes of purple and white flowers atop sturdy stems, gracing the landscape from June through August. These striking bulbs are ideal companions for ornamental grasses or the succulent foliage of Sedum ‘Autumn Joy.’ Thriving in full sun, Alliums prefer well-drained, sandy soil and are a welcome deterrent to deer, mice, and chipmunks, making them a confident choice for mixed plantings.
$20.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1570
/ 3183
#1570 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-15%
Below average
Hardiness Zones
38
/ -S/W
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dramatic vertical height and focal points
- Landowners dealing with hungry deer and small garden pests
- Planners looking to bridge the gap between spring and summer
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers planning large-scale landscape installations
- Gardeners wanting low-maintenance plants without strategic foliage masking
- Residents in exposed, windy areas without staking support
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Towering stems and massive globes create an undeniable focal point.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rodents, saving your garden from unwanted grazing.
Bloom Longevity
Extended flowering window provides consistent color throughout the summer months.
Landscape Versatility
Pairs effortlessly with grasses and succulents for dynamic, layered borders.
Hardiness Range
Broad adaptability across zones three through eight ensures reliable regional growth.
Maintenance Ease
Thrives in standard well-drained soil with minimal ongoing intervention required.
Key Specs
Hardiness Zones
3-8S/W
Exposure
Full Sun
Mature Height
4-6 feet
Spacing
6-8 inches
Deer Resistance
Yes
Soil Preference
Well-drained, fertile soil
Bloom Time
June-August
Ships as
Dormant Bulb
Features
- Towering 4-6 foot flower stems
- Large, grapefruit-sized purple and white globes
- Long-lasting blooms from June to August
- Excellent companion for ornamental grasses and sedum
- Deer, mouse, and chipmunk resistant
- Striking visual impact in borders
- Flowers suitable for drying
- Award-winning cultivar
What customers say
The 'Summer Drummer' bulbs are celebrated for their exceptional quality and dependable return each year. Gardeners are consistently delighted by the spectacular height and impressively large flower heads, which create a stunning architectural focal point. The bulbs demonstrate remarkable vigor and establish successfully, providing a reliable and dramatic display season after season. Although the initial cost is higher, the striking visual impact and perennial nature offer excellent value, making these alliums a highly recommended choice for a standout garden feature.
Know before you buy
This variety is quite statuesque, typically reaching heights between 4 and 6 feet. Ensure you plant them toward the back of your garden border so their towering stems do not obstruct shorter plants.
No, this variety is naturally resistant to deer, mice, and chipmunks. They are an excellent choice if you have had trouble with pests browsing your other garden plantings.
Allium 'Summer Drummer' requires well-drained, fertile soil to prevent the bulbs from rotting. If you have heavy clay soil, consider amending it with sand or organic matter to improve drainage.
Yes, their sturdy stems and unique globes make them excellent for fresh bouquets. They are also well-suited for drying, allowing you to enjoy their architectural shape long after the summer season ends.
Because of their height and late-summer bloom time, they pair beautifully with ornamental grasses or the succulent foliage of Sedum 'Autumn Joy.' These companions help mask the foliage of the Allium, which may begin to fade as the flowers reach their peak.
These bulbs are hardy in zones 3 through 8. As long as your garden falls within these zones and provides the necessary well-drained soil, they should return reliably each year.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$20