Spring has arrived and with it comes a myriad of gorgeous flowers. But, for those with allergies, it can mean a lot of sniffling and sneezing. Not all flowers are created equal when it comes to their sneeze-inducing properties. Some flowers are more hypoallergenic than others, making them a generally better alternative for people who have allergies.
As gardening experts, we take a look at the hypoallergenic flowers that bloom during the spring. We also include some of the worst offenders when it comes to triggering allergies, so you know what plants to avoid adding to your garden.
The best hypoallergenic flowers
When it comes to planting hypoallergenic flowers in the garden, you don’t have to miss out on stunning colours and shapes! We’ve included numerous different flowers of all colours and patterns which have pollen that won’t irritate your allergies. Don’t forget that not all flowers should be planted at the same time. You can read our seasonal flower guide to know when best to plant.
Daffodils
These bright yellow, distinct flowers are a hypoallergenic option for those looking to add a colourful pop to their garden during the late winter and early spring months. While daffodils still contain pollen, they tend to create less pollen than most flowers found blooming in spring gardens. But while they may be alright for those looking for a hypoallergenic flower option, they are toxic to cats and dogs, so are best grown in areas away from pets. Daffodils grow from bulbs, and should be planted in the autumn either in a patio pot or window box. These flowers like to grow in areas of the garden that experience full-sun or partial shade.
Camellias
Due to Camellias having both female and male reproductive organs in one plant, their pollen doesn’t need to travel in order to reproduce. This means this stunning flowering plant won’t irate your nose! Known for their excellent versatility, you can grow camellias as a hedge, a tree, or in a pot. Camellias can be planted year round in cool to subtropical climates, and will flower late winter to early spring. They need well-draining and acidic soil, which should be kept moist and ensure they are in partial sun.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are a pollen-free, hypoallergenic flower that come in a variety of colours including whites, blues, pinks and purples. They grow as a shrub and flower during the spring and summer months. Hydrangeas are hardy plants, making them a good option for beginner gardeners. Plant hydrangeas during autumn or spring, and make sure they are watered well during the warmer months. Some more-experienced gardeners may wish to attempt to change the colour of their hydrangea flowers, which can be tried by changing the PH of the soil for some varieties of the established plant. Hydrangeas are another plant that can be toxic to pets, so be sure to keep them in an area where curious paws and mouths can’t access them.
Roses
Roses are a flower that has become intrinsically linked with love and affection, but they can also be a good option for those looking for a hypoallergenic flower to grow in the garden. These flowers offer a wide range of colours and varieties to choose from, and their low-pollen amounts mean they can be kinder on the noses of those with a pollen sensitivity. You can also choose whether you wish to grow a variety of the flower with a mild, medium or strong scent. Roses love direct sunlight, so it’s best to plant them in a spot that receives plenty of full sun each day. The best time to plant roses is during winter, and while some varieties of rose only flower in the spring, other types will flower year-round. Rose bushes are also non-toxic to pets, making them a good option for yard with curious furry friends (just be careful of the thorns!).
Petunias
Although Petunias have a faint scent, their pollen is not considered an allergen so they are a great choice for your garden. Petunias are grown in the warmer months for cooler climates, however they can grow year round in warm climates. You can grow your Petunia flowers in the garden, in a pot or even a hanging basket, just make sure it’s in a sunny spot as they need six hours of sunlight a day!
Violas & Pansies
There’s no shortage of stunning Viola and Pansy varieties! While some types can be more heat tolerant, Violas and Pansies grow best in the cooler months and tend to finish once the heat sets in. Plant them in a sunny spot with free draining soil. Their sticky pollen doesn’t catch on their wind, so your hayfever and allergies won’t be irritated by Violas and Pansies in the garden.
The worst flowers for allergies
If you suffer from hayfever and allergies in general, then these are the flowers we recommend avoiding planting in your garden.
Baby’s Breath
Baby’s Breath is incredibly popular in bouquets and their striking white colour looks stunning in a large bush. However, these small flowers are packed with strong pollen which can irritate your allergies and cause hay fever.
English Lavender
As wind pollinators, Lavender is not a great choice for your garden if you suffer from allergies and hay fever. The fragrant purple flowers can also cause skin irritation if touched, so it is best avoided!
Daisies
The common Daisy is one of the worst offenders when it comes to pollen-causing allergies! Jam packed with pollen, Daisies are wonderful if you are hoping to introduce more pollinators into your garden, but not ideal if you are highly allergic.
Sunflowers
The iconic Sunflower looks stunning in any garden, but they aren’t a great choice for those suffering from chronic hay fever or allergies. Inside the brown centre of a Sunflower is rows of unopened male and female flowers, which then produce and shed sticky pollen.
Dahlias
As part of the Aster family, Dahlias have a lot of pollen which is sure to aggravate your nose and allergies. The beautiful colour and shape is a shame to not include in your garden, but fortunately there are some ‘hybrid’ varieties available which are better for allergy-sufferers.
Receive the best gardening care with Jim’s Mowing
You can ensure that your hypoallergenic flower garden is in tip-top shape by enlisting the expert help from Jim’s Mowing! Our gardening team will ensure that your garden gets the care it needs so it can thrive. You can book our gardening services by filling out this free quote form.
