Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Lightning Strike'
Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Lightning Strike' is a striking ornamental grass featuring upright variegated foliage with bold creamy white striping through green blades. In early summer, airy tan flower plumes rise above the foliage and mature to a soft wheat tone, adding vertical structure and long lasting seasonal interest to the landscape.
Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Average to moist well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This is a cultivated hybrid grass derived from European and Asian parent species and is not native to North America but is widely valued for its strong upright habit and ornamental foliage.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Provides seeds for songbirds and offers vertical cover for birds throughout fall and winter.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to maintain upright form and allow air circulation between clumps.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for borders, mass plantings, and as a vertical accent where its variegated foliage and upright plumes add strong structure and contrast.
Companion Plants
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Adds bold midsummer color that contrasts with the upright grass form.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Provides pollinator friendly blooms and a strong vertical complement.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Meadow Sage) - Brings deep violet spikes that pair well with the light variegated foliage.
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Offers airy texture and cool toned blooms that echo the grass plumes.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Introduces contrasting native grass texture and warm seasonal color.