When summer approaches and flowers start to spring, there’s a lot of pollen in the air. If you are someone who is allergic to pollen and struggles to find flowers to plant in your garden, or put in your home, then take a look at our guide on the best flowers for hay fever sufferers.
With pollen allergies being so common, it is a great idea to make note of these flowers to ensure that when giving them as a gift to someone, they will not have any issues.
At The Brighton Flower Company, we sell a wide range of flowers and bouquets that are perfect for allergy sufferers. Shop our bouquets online today and send a loved one the perfect gift.
What causes people to have flower and pollen allergies?
You’re not alone if you’re one of the millions who suffer from flower and pollen allergies, primarily caused by your immune system’s overreaction to these substances. But don’t let that keep you from enjoying the beauty of blossoms.
The key is to find the best flowers for allergies. As an allergy sufferer, you need to focus on low pollen flowers and hypoallergenic flowers. These are the best flowers for someone with allergies.
With a little research, you can still enjoy the beauty of flowers without the sneezing and itching.
Best flowers for allergies
Orchids
If you’re searching for an allergy-friendly option, orchids are one of the best flowers you can choose. These exotic and elegant blooms are virtually pollen-free, making them a safe bet for those with allergies.
Orchids don’t shed tiny particles into the air like many other flowers, which is what usually triggers allergic reactions. Instead, their pollen is tucked away inside the flower, significantly reducing the risk of causing sneezes and watery eyes.
Plus, with their long-lasting blooms and wide variety of vibrant colours, you’re getting allergy-friendly flowers and a beautiful, enduring gift.
Carnations
Carnations are beautiful flowers that can come in a range of different colours and do not cause any irritation to those with allergies. This makes them an excellent gift as you can easily select the person’s favourite colour and not worry about itchy eyes and sneezing!
Carnations are also known for being extremely long lasting when cut, so you can enjoy them for longer.
Roses
When it comes to picking out flowers that won’t set off your allergies, roses should definitely be on your shortlist. Roses are very low pollen flowers and are a great option when looking for hypoallergenic flowers. The little pollen that they do produce is far too heavy to be airborne, making them a safe bet for those who are allergic to flowers.
As well as red roses being the flower of love, they also come in a variety of different colours and look delightful in any home or garden. Here at Brighton Flower Company, we stock a range of flowers with roses incorporated.
Daffodils
Another excellent choice for allergy sufferers is the cheerful daffodil. Daffodils signify spring and are a bright and cheerful addition to any home. Although not completely hypoallergenic, they produce far less pollen than other flowers and can be enjoyed by those with allergies.
The pollen itself is not transported by wind, but rather by insects, so although they are hypoallergenic, we would suggest not getting up close to them as this could cause irritation.
Tulips
If you’re counting on a flower that’s both beautiful and allergy-friendly, tulips should be your number one choice. Unlike other flowers, tulips have a very low pollen count, making them ideal for anyone with allergies.
They’re also predominantly insect-pollinated, which means their pollen isn’t airborne and unlikely to trigger any sneezes or sniffles. Not only do they come in a range of bright and beautiful colours but they are available all year round.
Peonies
You’ll be thrilled to know that peonies are another excellent choice for allergy sufferers. These flowers offer large, show-stopping blooms that don’t release a lot of pollen into the air, making them a safe bet for those with allergies.
Peonies aren’t just visually striking; they’re a lifeline for flower lovers with allergies. Worth considering, don’t you think?
Cactus
You might not associate cacti with flowers, but many species do bloom, producing vibrant, allergy-friendly blossoms. Cacti are perfect as they don’t release pollen into the air, the main cause of floral allergies.
Cacti and indoor plants are increasingly becoming a more popular gift as they are low maintenance, long lasting and come in a variety of different types and looks. This makes them a great gift for a loved one.
Worst flowers for allergy sufferers
Aster
Even though asters may seem appealing, they’re not the best choice if you’re buying flowers for someone with allergies. These vibrant flowers, while beautiful, can cause a slew of uncomfortable symptoms for allergy sufferers.
- Asters are a major source of airborne pollen. This can trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
- Pollen from asters can also cause skin irritations. Just touching them could lead to rashes or hives.
- For those with asthma, being around asters can worsen symptoms, making breathing difficult.
Daisy
If you’re considering daisies as a gift, you may want to think twice if the recipient has flower allergies. Daisies are infamous among those with sensitivities, as they’re a significant source of pollen, a common allergen. They can induce sneezing, itchy eyes, and other unpleasant symptoms in allergy sufferers, making them less than ideal as a gift.
Sunflowers
You might love the vibrant look of sunflowers, but they’re one of the worst options you could pick for someone with allergies. Their high pollen count can trigger allergic reactions, including:
- Sneezing and coughing, disrupting daily activities
- Itchy, watery eyes, causing discomfort and frustration
- Difficulty in breathing, leading to anxiety and distress
So, while sunflowers might brighten up a room, they’re not worth the discomfort and potential health risks they pose to allergy sufferers.
Chrysanthemums
Just like sunflowers, chrysanthemums aren’t a good choice for your allergy-prone loved ones. They’re often a top culprit in triggering allergic reactions. The pollen, which is easily airborne, can cause sneezing, itching and watery eyes. Even touching the petals can result in skin rashes for some.
If you’re planning to gift a bouquet, it’s better to avoid these vibrant blooms.
Dahlia
The Dahlia is another flower that triggers allergies and you’ll want to steer clear of. These vibrant flowers may be stunning, but they’re not the best choice for those with sensitivities.
- Dahlias release pollen into the air, which can trigger an allergic reaction.
- They’re particularly pesky during the summer and autumn when they’re in bloom.
- The pollen can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
- Unfortunately, even touching the flowers can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Lavender
Despite their soothing scent and lovely appearance, lavender flowers might not be your best pick if you’re dealing with allergies. They’re notorious for their high pollen count, which can easily trigger allergic reactions.
While it’s true that lavender’s strong fragrance can make any room smell lovely, it’s also this potent aroma that makes them a significant allergen. Even if you don’t have pollen allergies, the scent can cause headaches or sinus problems.
So, if you’re planning on gifting flowers to someone with sensitivities, it’s best to steer clear of lavender.
Purchase hypoallergenic flowers today
So, there you have it! You’re now ready to navigate the floral world like a pro, choosing allergy-friendly blooms with ease.
You have plenty of options to express your love using flowers without triggering a sneeze. Remember, it’s not just about the pollen count, but also the scent.
At The Brighton Flower Company, we stock and sell a range of different flowers and you can even create your very own bespoke bouquet using hypoallergenic flowers. Shop online or visit our Brighton store and choose from a range of different hypoallergenic flowers.
