While most people associate flowers with good news and celebration, those who suffer from floral allergies have a decidedly different perception of these bright, beloved blossoms. After all, when a bouquet causes you to sniffle and sneeze, you’re not exactly a proponent of stopping to smell the roses.
If you or someone you love gets itchy just thinking about the florist, never fear: There are plenty of plants that can add color and life to an allergy sufferer’s world without triggering symptoms.
Check out this list of allergy-friendly blooms you can use as gifts or decorations:
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are an excellent choice for people with seasonal allergies. These flowers are big, bright and colorful, making them the perfect hypoallergenic addition to any room. Hydrangeas are most common in the Northeast, and are synonymous with the classic New England summer aesthetic. Teleflora noted that this species typically sprouts into purple, white, blue or pink blossoms.
Orchids
Orchids are a low-pollen flower with a high-end look. Beauty Geek recommended gifting these statement flowers to the allergy sufferers in your life, as they rarely trigger an adverse reaction. Horticulturist Thomas Leo Ogren, M.Sc. told the source that potted orchids are among his favorite flowers to give his wife, whose allergies are at odds with her husband’s profession. He noted that an orchid is also a gift that keeps on giving: When the plant sheds its flowers, simply trim its stalk, give it plenty of sunlight and water, and watch as new blooms appear.
Lilies
In their natural state, lilies have enough pollen to elicit a reaction from most allergy-sensitive people. The good news is that many florists remove the pollen from their lilies, making this species a great option for allergy-free gifts and decor. Prefer to remove the pollen on your own? Allergy-Free Gardening recommended enlisting the help of an non-allergic friend to trim the flower’s brown anthers, as any contact with the lilies’ pollen or sap could trigger symptoms in allergic individuals.
A potted orchid will add color to your home without aggravating your allergy symptoms.Peonies
This classic blossom is the perfect light, colorful and allergy-free addition to any party, wedding or home. According to Allergic Living magazine, which named peonies the top flower for allergy-free gardens, every species of this plant is considered hypoallergenic. However, the double-flowering and Japanese varieties are considered most popular among pollen-sensitive flower enthusiasts.
Chrysanthemums
Widely known for their buttery yellow buds, Chrysanthemums come in plenty of beautiful, hypoallergenic strains that won’t leave you reaching for the tissues. Horticulturist Thomas Leo Ogren, M.Sc. explained to Beauty Geek:
“They used to be a sort of old thing, but now there are thousands and thousands of them, new varieties. There are tight little green ones, really small and pretty – I like those, and they last a long time in a bouquet. They’re hybridized to give them more and more petals. [In some hybrids], petals take the place of the stamens, so now we have hundreds of chrysanthemums loaded with petals, but with no pollen in the centre.”
Flowers to avoid
Not sure if that flower arrangement you just ordered will leave you satisfied or sneezing? If it contains high-pollen flowers, chances are you’ll have buyer’s remorse. According to The Spruce, here are some pollen-filled floral breeds that allergy sufferers may want to avoid:
- Goldenrod
- Baby’s breath
- Daisies
- Dahlias
- Chamomile
- Sunflowers.
The source noted that because many of these species are quite popular, plant scientists have created a few hybrid and pollen-free versions that allergy sufferers may enjoy. If you’re attending a flower-filled event and are worried about having an allergic reaction, consider using an allergy-relief product to manage your symptoms.
