Calamagrostis 'Lightning Strike'

Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Lightning Strike': Lightning Strike Feather Reed Grass

Boldly variegated and strikingly upright, Calamagrostis 'Lightning Strike' lives up to its name with bright, creamy-white stripes that illuminate garden beds from spring through fall. This cool-season grass forms strong vertical columns of finely textured foliage, topped in early summer by feathery, tan plumes that sway gracefully above the blades. Its narrow footprint, luminous colouring, and architectural habit make it an ideal choice for creating rhythm and contrast in sunny borders or modern perennial designs.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 120–150 cm (in bloom)
• Spread: 60–75 cm
• Flower Colour: Soft bronze to tan
• Flowering Period: Early to mid-summer
• Foliage: Green with bold creamy-white vertical stripes; upright and narrow
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of clay and light drought

Uses and Benefits: 'Lightning Strike' brings eye-catching verticality and colour contrast to garden spaces. Ideal for repeating along walkways, tucking into tight borders, or mixing with bold-flowered perennials, it provides year-round structure and mid-season movement. Its early start and lasting form also make it a valuable design element in four-season landscapes. Deer resistant, low maintenance, and reliably upright, it’s both practical and visually dynamic.

Companion Plants: Pair Calamagrostis 'Lightning Strike' with the rich purple daisies of Aster 'Wood's Purple', the soft yellow blooms of Echinacea 'Sunny Days Lemon', and the creamy-gold variegated foliage and golden flowers of Heliopsis 'Sunstruck'. This vibrant combination creates a cheerful, pollinator-friendly planting with strong textural contrast and seasonal longevity.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and moist, well-drained soil for best performance. Water regularly during the first season; once established, it tolerates moderate dryness. Cut back to 10–15 cm in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Divide clumps every few years in spring to maintain vigour and form.

History: A recent introduction to the feather reed grass family, 'Lightning Strike' was selected for its bold, clean variegation and consistently upright habit. Building on the success of 'Karl Foerster', this cultivar brings added brightness and design versatility to the dependable Calamagrostis × acutiflora lineage.

Final Thoughts: With its luminous stripes and disciplined form, 'Lightning Strike' energizes borders and elevates combinations with a flash of brilliance. It’s a modern grass for dynamic plantings—elegant, bold, and built to shine.