Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher 'Old Faithful'

Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher 'Old Faithful' is an upright switchgrass selection prized for its strong vertical habit and striking blue green foliage that develops rich golden tones in autumn. Airy reddish flower panicles emerge in late summer and persist well into winter adding movement, texture, and year round interest to sunny landscapes.

Height & Spread: 4 - 5 ft x 2 - 3 ft

Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall

Light Requirements: Full sun

Soil Preference: Average to moist 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 'Dream Catcher' ('Old Faithful') is not a naturally occurring wild form it retains many of the ecological benefits that make switchgrass an outstanding native landscape plant.

WILDLIFE & INSECTS

Birds

• Provides seeds that are enjoyed by songbirds through fall and winter while the dense clumps offer valuable shelter and nesting material.

Butterflies

• Serves as a host plant for several skipper butterflies whose caterpillars develop on the foliage.

Wildlife

• Creates valuable cover for small mammals and other beneficial wildlife throughout the year.

Spacing & Landscape Use

Spacing Recommendations

• Space 24 - 36 in apart to allow each clump to develop its full upright form while maintaining good air circulation.

Landscape Placement

• Excellent for native gardens, prairie style plantings, mixed perennial borders, rain gardens, and mass plantings where its strong vertical habit and outstanding fall color provide structure throughout the seasons.

Companion Plants

• Veronicastrum virginicum 'Fascination' (Culver's Root) - Adds tall elegant flower spikes that complement the upright form of switchgrass.
• Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' (Purple Coneflower) - Brings bold summer flowers that contrast beautifully against the fine textured foliage.
• Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Provides long lasting golden blooms that pair naturally with the grass as autumn approaches.
• Pycnanthemum muticum (Mountain Mint) - Offers silvery foliage and abundant pollinator activity while thriving in similar growing conditions.
• Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Reinforces the native prairie look with complementary texture and outstanding seasonal color.