I just bought a ginormous Coleus in a hanging basket, and now that I've got it home, I'm not so sure I like it. I was a bit disappointed that it is mainly grown as an annual, as I can't be bothered with things that don't stick around for a while. Also, it had a jillion gorgeous flowers on it, which I naturally cut off immediately because I have always had a secret fantasy of becoming a hair dresser. Wait, that didn't come out right, you know why I cut them off. I guess my long winded question to you, fellow horticulturists, is what can I do to keep my Coleus looking fine besides posting a free sign on it?

Hi Amy!

I haven't had a chance to be here today but couldn't resist a peek at what I missed before heading off to bed.

Your new baby will fulfill your all fantasies - hairdressing that is. Haircuts just make it a bushier plants and Weezie is right, just pop the cuttings into a glass of water and when you return a few days later, voila roots!

Coleus likes bright light - some varieties show their color better in shade but they all scorch in direct sun. No hot Arizona southern exposure for this baby - an easter exposure is good.

Coleus is an annual but if you vigilantly pinch off flowers as they develop, you can keep it going for a few years. But if it does go to seed, just start another one from cuttings.

My coleus liked lots of water before a bug held a feast one night for all his friends and neigbors, with the entree of honor being...you guessed it. Overnight the poor plant was eaten, leaves, stems and all. No, it wasn't a slug (indoors) but an equally voracious party-goer.

I love the colors of coleus, especially the magentas. Do you have a pic?

Presumably you bought your new coleus baby while out shopping for a gardenia. Did you get it? Huh? Huh? :grinnnn