Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher 'Huggy Purple'
Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher 'Huggy Purple' is a compact switchgrass selected for its rich purple tinged foliage that matures to deep green before developing warm golden tones in autumn. Airy reddish purple flower panicles rise above the dense upright clump in late summer adding graceful movement, seasonal color, and lasting winter interest to sunny landscapes.
Height & Spread: 24 - 30 in x 18 - 24 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 soils
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 'Huggy Purple' is not a naturally occurring form, it retains the durability and ecological benefits that make switchgrass an outstanding native landscape plant.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Provides nutritious seeds for songbirds in fall and winter while the upright foliage offers valuable shelter throughout the colder months.
Butterflies
- Serves as a host plant for several skipper butterflies while adding habitat value to pollinator friendly gardens.
Wildlife
- Creates protective cover for small wildlife and helps support a healthy native garden ecosystem year round.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow each clump to develop its upright form while maintaining good air circulation.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for sunny borders, native gardens, rain gardens, and mass plantings where its colorful foliage, airy flower heads, and winter texture provide interest across multiple seasons.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea purpurea 'PowWow Wild Berry' (Purple Coneflower) - Produces vibrant summer blooms that pair beautifully with the rich foliage and airy flower panicles.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Creates bold golden color that contrasts with the purple tinged foliage through late summer.
- Pycnanthemum muticum (Mountain Mint) - Adds silvery foliage and exceptional pollinator activity alongside the upright grass.
- Liatris spicata 'Kobold' (Blazing Star) - Introduces vertical purple flower spikes that complement the fine textured foliage.
- Nepeta faassenii 'Walker's Low' (Catmint) - Softens the planting with mounding blue lavender flowers beneath the upright habit.