Grass - Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher® Lightning Bolt® (‘Nontlobg’)

The airy flower panicles of Lightning Bolt® attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, while the seeds that develop later in the season provide a valuable food source for birds. The dense foliage also offers shelter for small insects and wildlife, making it an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

• Spring: Emerges with vibrant green-gold foliage
  
• Summer: Produces reddish-pink airy flower panicles
  
• Fall: Leaves turn brilliant red-orange; flower heads mature and seed
  

Winter: Structure persists with tan stems and seed heads that provide wildlife interest

Mass planting for texture and movement

Fall color accents in borders and meadow gardens

Wildlife gardens (seed for birds)

Mixed perennial beds

Drought-tolerant landscapes

Urban and roadside plantings

The standout feature of Lightning Bolt® is its bright golden-yellow foliage, which adds a bold pop of color to the landscape. The narrow, upright leaves form a dense, clumping habit, creating a vertical element that remains attractive throughout the growing season. In fall, the foliage takes on warmer tones of orange and bronze, enhancing its seasonal appeal.

• Flowering Season: Late summer to early fall (August to October).
• Flower Description: Dream Catcher® Lightning Bolt® produces delicate, airy flower panicles that are pink-tinged when they first emerge and transition to a soft, silvery color as they mature. These flowers float above the foliage on tall stems, adding texture, movement, and a touch of whimsy to the garden. The flowers persist into fall, adding interest even after the growing season has ended.

• Planting Time: Plant in early spring or fall to give the roots time to establish in cooler, moist conditions. Fall planting allows the grass to settle in before the following growing season.

• Soil: Switchgrass thrives in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. Lightning Bolt® is highly adaptable but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.5). It is also tolerant of both dry and moist conditions.

• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for their mature size and to create an airy, open look in mass plantings or borders.

Cut back the foliage to about 6 inches above ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps maintain a tidy appearance and encourages healthy new growth. The dried foliage and flowers can be left standing through the winter for added interest and wildlife shelter.

Once established, Lightning Bolt® is highly drought-tolerant, requiring little supplemental watering. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. After that, occasional watering during prolonged dry spells is sufficient. Avoid overwatering, as this grass prefers drier conditions once mature.

Full sun is essential for the best color and growth. Lightning Bolt® thrives in bright sunlight and needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In shaded conditions, the vibrant golden foliage may fade, and the plant may not flower as profusely.

• Seed Harvest:
  
• Seeds can be collected in late fall when panicles dry and turn brown
  
• Gently shake or strip seeds into a paper bag for storage or reseeding
  
• Best used for propagation or left on plant for wildlife
  
• Foliage Harvest (for floral use):
  
• Attractive foliage and panicles can be cut in late summer for dried arrangements
  

Air-dry in a dark, dry location to preserve color

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage strong growth and vibrant foliage. However, Panicum virgatum is not a heavy feeder, and over-fertilizing should be avoided. A yearly application of compost or organic matter is typically sufficient to maintain healthy growth.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as compost or bark, around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulching is especially important during the first year to help establish the plant.

• Winter Care: This grass is fully hardy in USDA Zones 4-9 and requires no special winter protection. The dried foliage and seed heads can be left standing through the winter for added interest and texture in the landscape, as well as providing shelter for wildlife.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher® Lightning Bolt® is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it an easy-care, low-maintenance option for most gardens. Ensure proper drainage and avoid waterlogged soils to prevent root rot.

The wind-pollinated flowers of Lightning Bolt® provide food for a variety of beneficial insects and birds. The seeds that form later in the season attract birds, which help disperse the seeds, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens.

These complement its upright habit, golden foliage, and fall interest:

• Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – bold flowers, attracts pollinators
  
• Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-eyed Susan) – late-summer bloom, warm colors
  
• Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – great contrast in texture and bloom timing
  
• Salvia nemorosa – vertical form, rich color
  
• Coreopsis verticillata – fine texture, yellow flowers
  
• Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) – companion grass with contrasting blue-green tones
  

Asters – fall bloomers that match Panicum's late-season show