Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher 'Lightning Bolt'

Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher 'Lightning Bolt' is a striking switchgrass selection prized for its upright habit and dramatic foliage that emerges with bright cream and green variegation before developing rich pink and burgundy tones as the season progresses. Airy flower panicles appear in late summer and mature into attractive seed heads that provide lasting interest well into winter.

Height & Spread: 4 - 5 ft x 2 - 3 ft

Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall

Light Requirements: Full sun

Soil Preference: Average to moist well drained soil; adaptable to a wide range of soils

Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established

Deer Resistance: Deer resistant

Native Status

This cultivar was selected from the North American native species Panicum virgatum. While 'Dream Catcher Lightning Bolt' is not a straight native form, it retains many of the ecological benefits that make switchgrass an outstanding landscape plant.

WILDLIFE & INSECTS

Birds

• Provides nutritious seeds for songbirds during fall and winter while the upright stems offer valuable shelter and nesting material.

Butterflies

• Serves as a host plant for several skipper butterflies while contributing habitat for a variety of beneficial native insects.

Wildlife

• The dense clumps provide cover for small mammals and other wildlife throughout the growing season and into winter.

Spacing & Landscape Use

Spacing Recommendations

• Space 24 - 36 in apart to allow each clump to develop its full upright form while maintaining good air circulation.

Landscape Placement

• Excellent for native gardens, mixed perennial borders, rain gardens, and mass plantings where its colorful foliage, airy seed heads, and strong vertical habit provide season long interest.

Companion Plants

• Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) - Adds a strong vertical accent that complements the colorful foliage and open texture of switchgrass.
• Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' (Purple Coneflower) - Provides bold summer blooms and valuable pollinator support alongside the upright grass.
• Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Contrasts beautifully with bright golden flowers that bloom as the grass begins developing its fall color.
• Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Introduces airy lavender blue flowers and silvery foliage that pair naturally with the grass throughout summer.
• Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Creates a layered native grass planting with complementary texture and outstanding autumn color.