The 5 Best Flowers for Hayfever Sufferers
The days are getting longer, the weather's beginning to thaw, and buds are springing open. But while half of us eagerly await the arrival of summer, the others find themselves dreading the onset of hayfever season. Fear not though - there are stems out there that won't tickle your pollen-sensitive nose. Here are five flowers that avoid that sneezy reaction, and let you experience the beauty without the bother.
1. Roses
When it comes to finding non allergenic roses, follow your nose. Those with less fragrance tend to be the least aggravating. And certain varieties, like the Peace Rose and hybrid tea roses, are specifically bred to produce minimal pollen.
Opting for lighter shades of roses is also usually a safe bet for finding allergy friendly varieties. And tight-budded varieties are less likely to spread their pollen than fluffy, open petaled stems.
2. Snapdragons
A perfect bouquet for arranging, snapdragons can be both a focal and filler stem. And, thanks to their tightly closed buds, they spread minimal pollen. This makes them perfect for gifting to allergy sufferers.
These flowers are known for their long-lasting blooms, ensuring that your arrangements stay fresh and vibrant, even in warm weather.
3. Orchids
Orchids are exotic, elusive, and essentially allergy-proof. Their unique and vibrant blooms contain little to no pollen. And any pollen they do contain isn't airborne, making them exceptionally safe for hayfever sufferers.
They also thrive indoors, so they're perfect for adding a splash of color to homes and offices without the fear of triggering allergies
4. Daffodils
When it comes to picking allergy-friendly flowers, it's a good idea to consider how they're pollinated.
Insect-pollinated flowers are usually a better choice - their pollen is sticky and heavy. Whereas wind-pollinated flowers produce lightweight pollen that can easily travel through the air. This kind of pollen is more likely to cause allergies because it can fly around the room, travel long distances, and make its way into our respiratory system.
Take Daffodils, for example. They're not completely pollen-free, but their pollen is heavier and less likely to float around your space compared to other flowers. Making them a good choice for hayfever sufferers.
5. Peonies
Luscious and full, peonies pack a punch that’s practically pollen-free. Although they are open and fluffy, their pollen is thick and sticky rather than light and dusty (like daffodils, they're insect pollinated). This means it's rarely airborne, as it's not light enough to float through the air.
For best results, give these beauties some personal space — keep them in a room with good air circulation, and gently encourage the buds to open with a damp sponge. Change the water and trim the stems every few days, and you're on your way to a week of decongestant decor.
In Summary
If you're sending a gift to someone with hayfever, there's no need to avoid flowers altogether. Opt for varieties like Snapdragons, Roses, Orchids, Daffodils and Peonies, which have low pollen counts and are ideal for allergy sufferers.
So whether you're giving a gift, tending to your garden, or treating yourself, you can bring the beauty of nature indoors without triggering a sneezing fit.
