Heat makes Chelsea Flower Show bloom brighter

Britain's heatwave could lead to the most colourful Chelsea Flower Show on record, experts said today.

The hot weather has caused major problems for growers, who have been forced to invest in fridges to try to stop flowers from blooming too early for the show, which opens on May 24. Some gardens have had to be redesigned to include summer varieties never before seen at the show.

"Some have had to downsize their displays or change the whole selection of their plants," said Alexandra Denman, show manager. "It's a major problem," said Matthew Appleby of Horticulture Week. "I've spoken to a lot of growers who say they might not have enough flowers to fill their stand.

"It will mean a different feel to the show, but with brighter colours - it could the most colourful Chelsea we've seen."