British to the very roots? Not quite

Many visitors to the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show will be surprised to learn that some of the flowers in their gardens at home that they think of as being British to the roots in fact originated in China.

The Chinese plants, including lilies, hydrangeas and peonies, now commonly seen in many English gardens, were brought to the United Kingdom by plant hunters in the 19th century.

The 101st Chelsea Flower Show, staged by the Royal Horticultural Society in central London and held over five days from May 20, has given the public the chance to learn something about these plants and their journey from the Far East. The Chelsea event is one of the biggest flower shows anywhere, with more than 500 exhibitors, and attracting visitors from around the globe.