Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher 'Little Boy Blue'
Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher 'Little Boy Blue' is a compact switchgrass selection prized for its upright blue green foliage that develops rich golden tones in autumn. Airy flower panicles emerge in late summer and remain attractive well into winter bringing movement, texture, and year round interest to sunny landscapes.
Height & Spread: 30 - 36 in x 24 - 30 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average to well drained soil; adaptable to a wide range of soil types
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' 'Little Boy Blue' is a cultivated selection, it retains the adaptability and wildlife value that make switchgrass an important native ornamental grass.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Provides nutritious seeds for songbirds during fall and winter while its upright foliage offers valuable shelter throughout the colder months.
Butterflies
- Serves as a host plant for several skipper butterflies whose caterpillars develop on native grasses.
Wildlife
- Creates excellent cover for small wildlife and helps provide habitat in naturalized and meadow style plantings.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 24 - 30 in apart to allow each clump to develop its upright fountain like form.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for sunny borders, native gardens, prairie style plantings, and mass plantings where its blue green foliage, airy seed heads, and outstanding fall color provide season long interest.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' (Purple Coneflower) - Adds bold summer flowers that pair beautifully with the fine textured foliage.
- Veronicastrum virginicum 'Fascination' (Culver's Root) - Brings tall elegant flower spikes that complement the grass without overpowering it.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Creates a layered native grass planting with complementary texture and outstanding fall color.
- Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' (Goldenrod) - Extends seasonal color with bright golden blooms that contrast against the blue green foliage.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Provides vibrant yellow flowers that bloom alongside the emerging seed heads.