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The Best Hypoallergenic Flowers for Allergy Sufferers

Published: Monday 12 August 2024

Fresh flowers bring beauty and joy to any space, but for those with allergies, the presence of blooms can also bring discomfort.

At Thornton Bros Roses, we understand the struggle of balancing aesthetics with health concerns. In this guide, we’ll explore the best hypoallergenic flowers that allow you to enjoy floral elegance without the sneezes.


Key Takeaways

  • Choose Hypoallergenic Flowers: Opt for flowers with low pollen counts like roses, tulips, orchids, and Australian natives to reduce allergy symptoms.

  • Avoid High-Pollen Flowers: Steer clear of daisies, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, lilies, and baby's breath to maintain an allergy-friendly environment.

  • Create a Comfortable Indoor Space: Use fragrance-free flowers, air purifiers, and HEPA filters to minimise pollen and allergens in your home.


The Problem with Flowers and Allergies

What Causes Pollen Allergies and How They Affect Hay Fever Sufferers

The most common cause of flower allergies is pollen, a fine powder produced by plants for reproduction.

When inhaled, pollen can trigger allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever.

Symptoms include itchy, watery eyes; itchy ears and throat; runny, congested nose; and sneezing.

These symptoms can disrupt daily life, causing discomfort, fatigue, and even headaches. Allergies triggered by pollen can also exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma, making it crucial to choose the right flowers for your home.



Flowers for People with Allergies

Choosing the Right Flowers for Hay Fever-Friendly Spaces

When selecting flowers for people with allergies, consider blooms with very low pollen counts or those pollinated by insects rather than wind. Here are some key considerations for hay fever sufferers:

  • Pollen Count: Opt for flowers with heavy, sticky pollen that is less likely to become airborne.

  • Personal Preferences: Consider the recipient’s taste, occasion, and the location where the flowers will be placed.

Tips for Allergy Sufferers When Buying Flowers

  • Seek Expert Advice: Ask your florist for recommendations on hypoallergenic flowers.

  • Choose Low-Pollen Flowers: Opt for varieties known to minimise pollen exposure.


Hypoallergenic Flowers for Every Season

Choosing hypoallergenic flowers can significantly enhance the beauty of your home while ensuring comfort for people with allergies. Here are some of the best flowers for each season that will help keep hay fever at bay, based on research from reliable sources.


Spring Blooms

In spring, consider roses, tulips, and daffodils.

  • Roses have a low pollen count, making them an excellent choice for those sensitive to pollen and one of the most hypoallergenic flowers.

  • Tulips produce minimal pollen and add vibrant colours to any space.

  • Daffodils also have a very low pollen count, making them perfect for people with allergies while bringing a touch of bright cheerfulness to your home.


Summer Favourites

For summer, carnations, snapdragons, and irises are excellent choices.

  • Carnations are known for their low pollen count and come in a wide range of colours, making them versatile for various arrangements.

  • Snapdragons are particularly suitable for people with allergies because their unique shape traps pollen inside their petals.

  • Irises, with their low pollen count, are another summer favourite that can add elegance to your floral displays without triggering allergies.


Autumn and Winter Options

During the cooler months of autumn and winter, orchids, zinnias, Australian natives, hydrangeas, petunias, violas, pansies, and camellias are ideal.

  • Orchids have very low pollen and can add a touch of luxury to your home.

  • Zinnias are also low in pollen and provide vibrant colours throughout autumn. Australian native flowers are excellent for those with pollen allergies and offer a variety of hues and forms. Hydrangeas have a low pollen count and can create beautiful, full arrangements.

  • Petunias, with their faint scent and low pollen count, are suitable for people with allergies, as highlighted by Healthline. Violas and pansies, both low-pollen flowers, are perfect for autumn. Camellias, which bloom in winter, also have a low pollen count and can add a touch of beauty to your home during the colder months.

By choosing from a selection of these beautiful hypoallergenic flowers, you can enjoy the beauty of fresh blooms year-round without the worry of allergies.



Additional Considerations For Allergy Sufferers

Fragrance Sensitivities and Hay Fever

Some people may experience fragrance sensitivities, which can exacerbate hay fever symptoms. Opt for fragrance-free flowers or those with a mild scent to avoid additional discomfort.

Creating a Hay Fever-Friendly Indoor Space

  • Choose Hypoallergenic Flowers: Select flowers like the ones listed above to minimise pollen exposure.

  • Air Purifiers and HEPA Filters: Use these to reduce pollen and other allergens in the air, creating a more comfortable environment.


Flowers to Avoid for Allergy Sufferers

While choosing hypoallergenic flowers can significantly reduce discomfort for people with allergies, it's equally important to be aware of flowers that are best avoided.

Certain flowers produce high amounts of airborne pollen, which can trigger allergic reactions. Here are some top flowers to avoid:

Daisies

Daisies are beautiful but can be problematic for allergy sufferers due to their high pollen count. Their pollen is easily airborne and can cause significant allergic reactions .

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are another culprit, known for their abundant pollen production. The large, open faces of sunflowers make it easy for pollen to become airborne, making them a poor choice for those with hay fever .

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are popular in many gardens and floral arrangements. However, they produce a considerable amount of pollen that can trigger allergies .

Lilies

Lilies are admired for their strong fragrance and stunning appearance, but their pollen can be a major allergen. The large amounts of pollen they produce can be particularly troublesome for those with pollen allergies .

Baby's Breath

Often used as a filler in bouquets, baby's breath produces fine, light pollen that can easily become airborne. This can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive individuals .

By avoiding these high-pollen flowers, you can help ensure that your home remains an allergy-friendly haven.

For more personalised advice, feel free to consult with our expert florists at Thornton Bros Roses, who can recommend the most ideal hypoallergenic flowers for your specific needs.


Experience Elegance with Thornton Bros Roses

At Thornton Bros Roses, we are committed to providing allergy-friendly flowers that bring elegance and joy to your home. With over 35 years of experience, we pride ourselves on growing and wholesaling the highest quality flowers, ensuring each bouquet is a unique creation.

Embrace the beauty of flowers without the sneezes, and let Thornton Bros Roses enhance your home with allergy-friendly elegance.


Sources:

  1. Mayo Clinic - Pollen Allergy (Hay Fever): Mayo Clinic

  2. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology - Pollen Allergy: ACAAI

  3. WebMD - Allergies to Flowers: WebMD

  4. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America - Plants and Allergies: AAFA

  5. Healthline - Common Allergies and Symptoms: Healthline