Euonymus

Sun to part shade — the gold and silver variegations hold their colour best in good light and go green in deep shade.

Low — drought-tolerant once established; water only in the first year and in prolonged dry spells.

Any reasonable, well-drained soil, including chalk and poor ground. It is one of the most tolerant evergreens available.

Trim to shape in late spring, after the frosts. Cut out any all-green shoots as soon as you see them: reverted growth is more vigorous than the variegated growth and will take the plant over if left.

A general feed over a mulch in spring on poor soil, and nothing on decent ground. In a container a slow-release feed at the start of the season keeps the variegation bright.

Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer root very readily in gritty compost — this is one of the easiest shrubs in the garden to strike. The low, spreading forms also layer themselves where the branches touch soil.

Full sun to part shade — autumn colour is markedly better in sun.

Low — fully drought-tolerant once established.

Any well-drained soil; it is particularly good on chalk, where the native spindle grows wild.

Prune in late winter while dormant, only to thin or shape — it flowers and fruits on older wood, so hard annual pruning removes the berries that are half the point.

Needs no feeding on any reasonable soil; a mulch in spring is enough. Feeding produces leafy growth at the expense of the autumn colour and the fruit.

Hardwood cuttings after leaf fall, or lift a rooted sucker from the base in the dormant season. Seed sown fresh in autumn also works, but germination is slow and erratic.