Native to the Gulf coastal plain, Halesia diptera is similar to the better known Carolina Silverbell, but the American Snowdrop usually forms a small tree or large shrub. 'Magniflora' is a strain that has more numerous and conspicuously larger flowers than the species. The white bellflowers appear in mid-May, a week or two later than Carolina Silverbell. Long-lived and pest free, the American Snowdrop makes an ideal patio tree. PHS Gold Medal. Z. 5-8

If you haven't seen a pink-flowered Halesia, you're in for a real treat when this one blooms! Lovely bellflowers are suffused with a rosy-pink glow (sometimes apricot-pink), a wonderful effect. Best color seems to occur in cooler springs, so there is some year-to-year variation in the color, and it's fun each spring to see what shades of pink will appear. Halesia tetraptera is a fine native tree with delicate, ascending branches and neat, rich green leaves all season. The curious 4-winged, torpedo-shaped fruits are decidedly ornamental and persist into winter. This uncommonly graceful plant may be grown as a small to medium tree or as a large multistemmed shrub. Prefers moist, fertile soil in sun or light shade. Z. 5-8

One of our finest native trees, Carolina Silverbell breaks out in snowy flowers in early May, and it has been one of our favorite trees for years. We have trialed a number of variegated selections over the years, and this one seems to be the best. Handsome tapered leaves are splashed with gold and silver, and the effect is enchanting from near or far. May be grown as a small tree or large shrub in filtered light or dappled shade in well-drained soil. Z. 5-8