Expert growers at the Chelsea Flower Show have revealed one welcome side effect of the freezing British winter this year – a boon for the beautiful peony.

Peony growers told the Daily Telegraph newspaper that the flowers bloom best in cold weather – and Somerset grower Dave Root predicted that "we're going to have the best show of herbaceous peonies that we've had at Chelsea for quite some years."

Mr Root, whose plant nursery is 159 years old, said that he has high hopes this year for the gorgeous "Duchesse de Nemours" peony, which features lush, creamy double flowers.

"We'll also have tree peonies. We're the only company that brings those to Chelsea – probably because they're so difficult to deal with," he added.

Mr Root explained that temperature and timing are essential for healthy peonies. His nursery, Kelways in Langport, has five separate environments for its plants, which range from a hot greenhouse to a cold storage area.

He said: "Peonies like a sunny spot, and good soil with lots of organic matter: a penny on the plant, and a pound on the soil" – adding that the best soil for the plants was "deep, rich" clay, with high alkaline levels.

The Chelsea Flower Show 2010 takes place from 25th to 29th May at the Royal Hospital in the west London borough, where the 11-acre grounds are transformed into stunning show gardens and colourful horticultural displays. Around 157,000 people visit each year, and this one will be no exception.

This year will feature some special highlights, such as the lush, tropical Tourism Malaysia Garden and the Sustainable Highland Garden, giving a traditional Scottish croft garden a modern twist with new technology.