Flowers are beautiful and make thoughtful gifts. However, not everyone loves them–particularly people with allergies.
There are flowers that can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, and coughing. Fortunately, there are also safe flowers for people with allergies. If you know a person who loves flowers but suffers from allergies, here’s a guide to help you in finding the right flower arrangement that’s safe for them.
10 Flowers for Allergy Sufferers
1. Begonias
Known as free-flowering plants that shed little pollen, they come in a wide range of colors such as red, pink, yellow, white, orange or any of those combinations. You can also find a variant of begonias with ruffled petals. All popular types of begonias are safe bets for allergy sufferers.
2. Bougainvillea
These flowers are very common and easily adds color to any space. They come in pink and orange shades but the true flowers of the bougainvillea plant are the small, tubular white blooms inside the colorful bracts. They are very small and produce a minimal amount of pollen which make them safe for those with allergies.
3. Cactus
You might wonder why cactus is on this list, but it actually sprouts beautiful flowers. In fact, they come in pink, orange, and yellow colors. Definitely, there’s more to it than just its green and spiky bumps. While it requires cross-pollination to reproduce, it isn’t done with the wind but with the help of insects and birds.
4. Camellias
Camellias are lovely flowers with a sweet fragrance. One interesting fact about this plant is that it is dioecious which means that they have both male and female reproductive organs. Camellias are capable of reproduction on the same flower and their pollen does not have to travel far for pollination and therefore prevents allergic reactions.
5. Carnations
With these flowers, you won’t have to worry about itchy eyes and runny nose. Carnations are beautiful flowers that are hypoallergenic so they won’t cause irritation to people with allergies. They are available in a wide range of colours and make an excellent gift too.
6. Hydrangeas
Aside from their charm, hydrangeas are also a great choice of flowers for people with allergies. Their pollen is very sticky that even strong winds won’t blow it into the air. They are available in gorgeous shades of pink, blue, white and purple.
7. Orchids
With its low pollen count, almost all species of orchids are hypoallergenic. Their pollens are also sticky and enclosed in tiny pouches. It will take more than ordinary wind for them to be airborne and cause allergic reactions.
8. Peonies
Commonly used in bouquets because of their beautiful full blooms and deep green leaves, you’d love peonies even more as they are not likely to trigger allergies. They have a layer of soft petals that trap pollen inside. Peonies also come in a wide variety of colors–from pale pink to rich raspberry that can add warmth and beauty to any flower arrangement.
9. Roses
You’ll be relieved to know that roses are hypoallergenic and are one of the best flowers for people with allergies. Their pollen is too big to become airborne. There are also roses with dense petals that release less pollen.
10. Tulips
Tulips are among the safest flowers for allergy sufferers because they have a very low pollen count. It is listed as allergy-safe by the American Academy of Allergy so you have no reason to worry if you want to give it as a gift to people who usually suffer from allergies.
Signs of Flower Allergy
Don’t know if you or someone you know is allergic to flowers? Here are some of the most common signs to take note of:
• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Itchy throat
• Cough
• Eye inflammation
• Bluish-colored skin beneath the eyes
• Reduced sense of taste or smell
• Wheezing
ALSO READ: 5 Beautiful Flowers that Preserve Mental Health
If you have been hesitant in giving a bouquet to people with allergies, you can now be more confident especially with this list of flowers for people with allergies. Choose from flower arrangements that include hypoallergenic options so you can send flowers as gifts and avoid untoward reactions.
Flower Patch offers a wide range of bouquets and arrangements including flowers for allergy sufferers. Choose from our product selection today and make someone who loves flowers happy without worries about allergic reactions and other serious consequences!
