Weddings, graduations, anniversaries, holidays… all of these special days are often filled with beautiful flower arrangements that reflect nature’s astounding beauty. But all that beauty can turn sour fast if you have seasonal allergies or sensitivities to flowers.
You shouldn’t have to give up having beautiful floral arrangements at your events due to your allergies. And in fact, you don’t have to! There are lots of flower options that won’t affect your allergies and are just as beautiful. Keep reading to find out what causes allergies to flowers, some flower options for people with pollen allergies, and some flowers you should definitely avoid.
What Causes People to Be Allergic to Flowers
The worst allergies come from flowers that have separate male and female parts. This is because the male part of the flower must release pollen in order to fertilize the female component.
The pollen gets sent through the air without a particular destination in mind. Plenty of it will end up at the female part of the flower, but you’ll also get some in your nose just by breathing the air around the flower.
When the pollen lands in your nose, your immune system believes that it’s under attack and produces antibodies to fight it. Some people’s immune systems are able to recognize that pollen isn’t actually harmful, but people with allergies have active immune systems trying to protect them. A runny nose, watery eyes, and itchiness are all ways of your body trying to rid itself of the allergen – in this case, pollen.
The Best Flowers for People With Allergies
There are flower options that don’t exasperate pollen allergies as badly. Many of these are known as “perfect flowers” because they have their male and female parts all in one spot. They don’t need to release pollen as far into the air in order to fertilize and create more blooms. Here are some great examples of flowers for people with chronic allergies to flower pollen.
Hydrangeas
This flower comes in beautiful, thick bunches and can be found in shades of colors ranging from blue to pink to white and even purple. They make great statement pieces in floral arrangements.
Hostas
Hosta flowers also come in a wide range of colors including chartreuse and gold. They require very little care and don’t give off much of a scent.
Lilies
Lily blossoms are pollen-free. While some lilies are odorless, others such as the stargazer lily have a very strong scent. If you are sensitive to smells this may be a good flower to avoid. It won’t give you allergies but it may give you a headache.
Roses
You may be happy to learn that one of the most classic flowers for floral arrangements is hypo-allergenic! It isn’t quite perfectly allergen-free, but most people who suffer from pollen allergies are still able to enjoy this romantic flower.
Carnations
Carnations are a great choice for lapel flowers and small gifts at the end of events. They’re easy to care for, come in many colors, and have a beautiful form. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about the people receiving them having an allergic reaction to them.
The Worst Flowers for Pollen Allergies
Asters
The aster and daisy family is full of flowers that will be terrible for people with allergies. Ragweed is a form of aster, and that’s one of the most common seasonal allergens!
Baby’s Breath
Baby’s breath is a common filler flower for arrangements and even appears in some formal hairstyles. Unfortunately, it’s awful for allergies. Those little flowers still pack a big punch of pollen, and it’s best to avoid them if you have a flower allergy. You can try a double-flowered baby’s breath as an alternative with a lower pollen count.
Chamomile
This flower is best known for its tea flavor, but it’s also found in gardens, parks, and even some floral arrangements. It can cause allergic reactions even once fully brewed, so be careful with that tea if you’re an allergy sufferer.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums come in beautiful fall shades and are quite the popular choice for front porch flower pots during the autumn months. You should skip this harvest decorating style if you have allergies though. You may realize that your seasonal allergies are extended by their presence.
Sunflowers
Sorry Van Gogh fans, if you have allergies you should skip sunflowers in your arrangement. These beautiful, large yellow plants carry a lot of pollen in that large center disk.
If you just can’t live with them, try the varieties, Apricot Twist and Joker. These have heavier pollens which don’t travel through the air as well.
Flower Alternatives to Avoid Seasonal Allergies
Even with the best precautions and the right flower choices, you may still find that you’re allergies are affected by flower arrangements. You may be extra sensitive, or your flowers could be affected by some cross-contamination at the florist.
Whatever the reason for your allergies, you shouldn’t have to forgo floral arrangements completely. There are faux flower options like Luv Sola Flowers for people who are allergic to pollen. These wood flowers last forever (so you can keep your bouquet as a keepsake) and are even eco-friendly flowers! You’ll protect yourself from allergies while knowing that you aren’t contributing to waste with your floral choices.
Flowers You Can Savor – Without the Sniffles
Seasonal allergies can’t stop you from enjoying beautiful flower arrangements. By knowing the causes of allergies, you can choose flowers that are safe for you in your arrangements and avoid the ones you know will be particularly bad. If you’d like to avoid even the possibility of allergies, you can always choose a high-quality and long-lasting faux option.
Curious about preventing allergic reactions of other kinds and keeping you and your family safe? Check out our Health and Wellness section for more articles like this one.
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