Which flowers are suitable for allergy sufferers and which ones to avoid
Hay fever and a love of flowers are not mutually exclusive. You just need to know which flowers can cause problems and which are completely harmless.
Around 20 percent of Austrians suffer from hay fever or other pollen allergies. But the good news is: most cut flowers are not a problem for allergy sufferers. That’s because hay fever is mainly triggered by wind-pollinated plants (grasses, birch, hazel) - not by the colorful flowers you buy from a florist.
Most cut flowers are pollinated by insects. Their pollen is heavy, sticky, and does not become airborne. Still, there are a few exceptions that allergy sufferers should know about.
Flowers that can be problematic for allergy sufferers
Lilies - The biggest allergy trigger among cut flowers. Lily pollen is intense, stains easily (orange marks on clothing and furniture), and can cause sneezing and eye irritation in sensitive people. Solution: Remove the anthers while they are still closed.
Chrysanthemums - Belong to the daisy family (like ragweed). Some allergy sufferers react to chrysanthemum pollen or the plant sap.
Chamomile and daisies - Also part of the daisy family. Cross-reactions with mugwort are possible.
Strongly scented flowers - Hyacinths, lilac, jasmine. It’s not the pollen but the intense fragrance that can trigger headaches and respiratory irritation.
Allergy-friendly flowers
These flowers are completely harmless for the vast majority of allergy sufferers:
- Roses - Hardly any pollen, and most cut roses have only a very light fragrance. The safest choice for allergy sufferers.
- Tulips - Very little pollen, and it remains enclosed inside the bloom.
- Hydrangeas - Almost pollen-free. The large petals are actually bracts.
- Orchids - No airborne pollen. Perfect for allergy sufferers.
- Peonies - Low in pollen, which is also heavy and sticky.
- Ranunculus - Virtually pollen-free. Ideal for allergy sufferers.
- Calla - No exposed pollen. Elegant and safe.
- Carnations - Very little pollen and a subtle fragrance.
Tip: Let your florist know about the allergy. We’ll be happy to create a completely low-pollen bouquet and remove the anthers from lilies if you would still like to include them.
Tips for allergy sufferers
- Remove the stamens: For lilies, pluck off the orange stamens with tweezers before they open. This prevents pollen from getting into the air.
- Don’t keep flowers in the bedroom: Even low-pollen flowers can bother sensitive people at night. In the bedroom, green plants are a better choice (Sansevieria, orchid).
- Change the vase water: Old vase water can contain mold spores that make allergies worse.
- Try dried flowers: No pollen, no fragrance. However, they can collect dust - dust them regularly.
Allergy-friendly bouquets at MoBlumen Vienna
Low-pollen flowers, individually arranged.
Frequently asked questions about flowers and allergies
Yes, most cut flowers are not a problem for hay fever sufferers. Hay fever is triggered by wind-pollinated plants (grasses, trees), not by cut flowers. Roses, tulips, and hydrangeas are almost always safe.
To some extent. Sunflowers belong to the daisy family and produce visible pollen. Pollen-free sunflower varieties (e.g. ProCut varieties) are available on the market and are the better choice for allergy sufferers. Ask your florist.
Rarely due to pollen, but mold in the potting soil can worsen allergies. Solution: Don’t overwater, ensure good drainage, and cover the soil surface with a layer of expanded clay or gravel.
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