{"product_id":"panicum-lightning-bolt","title":"Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher 'Lightning Bolt'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePanicum virgatum Dream Catcher 'Lightning Bolt'\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight \u0026amp; Spread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4 - 5 ft x 2 - 3 ft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late summer to early fall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Average to moist well drained soil; adaptable to a wide range of soils\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deer resistant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNative Status\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis cultivar was selected from the North American native species \u003cem\u003ePanicum virgatum\u003c\/em\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWILDLIFE \u0026amp; INSECTS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBirds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides nutritious seeds for songbirds during fall and winter while the upright stems offer valuable shelter and nesting material.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eButterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServes as a host plant for several skipper butterflies while contributing habitat for a variety of beneficial native insects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe dense clumps provide cover for small mammals and other wildlife throughout the growing season and into winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpacing \u0026amp; Landscape Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing Recommendations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace 24 - 36 in apart to allow each clump to develop its full upright form while maintaining good air circulation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape Placement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompanion Plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Adds a strong vertical accent that complements the colorful foliage and open texture of switchgrass.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEchinacea purpurea 'Magnus' (Purple Coneflower)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Provides bold summer blooms and valuable pollinator support alongside the upright grass.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Contrasts beautifully with bright golden flowers that bloom as the grass begins developing its fall color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePerovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Introduces airy lavender blue flowers and silvery foliage that pair naturally with the grass throughout summer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSchizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Creates a layered native grass planting with complementary texture and outstanding autumn color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cicconi Farms","offers":[{"title":"3 Gallon","offer_id":46671588098209,"sku":"G PANICUM VIRGATUM DREAM CATCHER LIGHTNING BOLT","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0359\/3329\/0634\/files\/PastedLayer_966d8d59-8075-46f0-8318-b45fc2b0e514.png?v=1783605582","url":"https:\/\/cicconi-farms.myshopify.com\/products\/panicum-lightning-bolt","provider":"Cicconi Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}