IN THE PINK

For much of the year the various members of the euonymus (or spindle) genus are pretty underwhelming. True, they have good structural branches with a slight corky texture and a reliable green leaf but nothing to keep you on the edge of your seat. But come autumn, the story changes, the leaves may change colour and wonderful, slightly clashing, pink, red or orange fruits appear.

Euonymus velutinus A choice variety but the European spindle is also excellent, especially in a hedge. H x S 2m x 2m See p108 for how to collect seed from euonymus