Additional Information about Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher® Cherry Bomb™ 'Nonbmob'
Cherry Bomb™ is a compact, colorful selection of native switchgrass that brings an unusual amount of foliage color to the landscape. Cherry Bomb™ pops out with the cherry-red coloration as the growing season progresses. Its foliage transitions from blue green with red-tipped blades to increasingly rich shades of cherry red and burgundy through late summer and fall.
Growing approximately up to 3 feet tall, Cherry Bomb™ develops a dense, rounded, clump-forming habit. Its naturally tidy shape makes it a good option for smaller planting spaces where a traditional switchgrass might become too large. The medium-textured foliage creates a full appearance without looking overly coarse, and the consistent shape lends itself to both individual plantings and larger groupings.
Flowering is relatively sparse compared with other switchgrass selections. Small, airy tan florets appear late in the season, adding a subtle textural element without competing with the colorful foliage. This is particularly useful in plant combinations where maintaining foliage color as the primary feature is desirable.
As a cultivar of a North American native grass, Cherry Bomb™ retains many of the durable characteristics associated with Panicum virgatum. It is drought-tolerant once established, deer-resistant, and adaptable to a range of soil conditions, including sandy soils. Its root system also makes it useful in plantings where soil stabilization and erosion control are considerations.
Its compact size and distinctive coloration make it suitable for perennial borders, mass plantings, smaller landscape beds, and as a colorful companion to both native and non-native perennials. Consider pairing it with plants that offer contrasting foliage or flower colors rather than competing shades of red.
