Hay fever sufferers are in for a treat as experts at reveal seven sneeze-free flowers perfect for this spring's flower beds. With around one in four Brits battling hay fever, the quest for a sniffle-free garden has never been more pressing.
Despite the challenges that springtime poses for those with allergies, it's not necessary to forego the joy of gardening. By choosing low-pollen plants, gardeners can still enjoy an array of stunning blooms without the dread of hay fever symptoms such as runny noses, incessant sneezing and irritated eyes.
Roses, geraniums and hydrangeas are among the top picks for allergy sufferers, thanks to their minimal pollen production or heavier pollen grains that don't take flight easily. These varieties not only offer relief from hay fever but also boast easy care and resilience during the warmer months.
Chris Bonnett from encourages those with hay fever, saying: "Just because you suffer from hay fever doesn't mean that you can't plant beautiful flowers in your garden. There are plenty of low-pollen plants you can add to your garden without having to worry about worsening your hayfever symptoms.
"Carnations and hydrangeas produce little pollen, whereas peonies and roses have heavy pollen that's less likely to become airborne, making them great choices for those with allergies. By carefully choosing which flowers to plant, you can bring your garden to life while keeping the hay fever at bay."
Roses
Roses are a beautiful and classic addition to any garden. What little pollen they do have is heavy and unlikely to become airborne, making them an excellent hay fever-friendly choice.
Geraniums
Geraniums produce very little pollen and rely more on insect pollination than wind, which means their pollen is less likely to become airborne. On top of that, they're easy to grow and are available in a variety of vibrant colours.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas have sticky and heavy pollen, which means it doesn't easily disperse into the air. Many varieties also bloom in summer, making them ideal for allergy sufferers affected more in spring when pollen levels peak.
Peonies
While peonies have large blooms, they produce relatively low levels of pollen and much of it stays trapped within their dense petals.
Carnations
Carnations release less pollen than many other flowers. Although not all varieties rely on insects for pollination, many do, and insect-pollinated blooms typically have heavier pollen that's less likely to become airborne.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are a fantastic choice as they have tightly closed buds, making it more difficult for pollen to escape into the air. They also bloom for months, adding long-lasting beauty to gardens.
Camellias
These glossy evergreens provide elegant blooms and produce heavy, sticky pollen. Since camellias contain both male and female parts within the same bloom, their pollen doesn't need to travel far, reducing its chances of becoming airborne.