6 Hay Fever Friendly Flowers That Will Brighten Your Day

Watery eyes, snot-filled sinuses and a persistent headache are all unfortunate signs that you may be suffering from hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. These allergies are usually caused by an increase of airborne pollen which irritate the nose, eyes, and mouth – leaving you in a sorry sneeze-filled state.

With tissue-stuffed pockets and squinted eyes, you end up missing out on the beauty of watching buds blossom into flowers - a joyous hallmark of springtime. But don't worry, there are still plenty of flowers that you can enjoy without the sneezing! For those of you who want a pop of colour in the living room, The Beat Asia has curated a guide to the best flowers to enjoy for hay fever sufferers.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are traditional favourites, with a tall lavender-esque structure, which adds height to any flower arrangement. The tightly closed buds of the snapdragon minimise the release of pollen and come in many different colours. Arrange them with round-headed summer blooms to create a gorgeous display for your mantelpiece.

Peony

The large, luxurious taffeta-like flower heads of the peony are well-loved all across East-Asia, and for good reason! The floral symbol of China holds itself with much grace and abundance with its many petals, all without setting off the sneezes. The popular summer bloom is a reliable choice, as it is pollinated by insects and rather hard to become airborne.

Roses

Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than the national flower of England. This classic flower can be enjoyed by hay fever sufferers, as they don’t release large amounts of pollen into the air. If you find yourself more sensitive to pollen, you can opt for tight budded varieties to minimise your exposure to the pollen.

Gladiolus

The gladiolus, or ‘sword lily’, belong to the iris family and are denoted with their sword-shaped leaves and hashes of vibrantly coloured flowers. As the pollen of the sword lily is more thick and sticky than other flowers, the pollen is less likely to float up into the wind and become airborne. These tall stems make for gorgeous garden companions or cut flowers, and will certainly brighten any balcony.

Astrantia

This pretty, delicate star-shaped flower comes in various colours and will add dimension to any bouquet with their unusually tightly packed florets. Often compared to a firework, the Astrantia rates low on the allergy scale, and won’t cause any nasal explosions despite the likeness.

Hydrangea

Native to Korea, China, and Japan, Hydrangea shrubs are gorgeous additions to your garden or balcony. As these flowers are insect-pollinated, the blooms will be less likely to cause allergic symptoms. Commonly found in blue, pink, and white varieties, the hydrangea is associated with feelings of genuine emotions and apology. It’s not every day you find a flower that says ‘sorry’ on behalf of other pollen spreaders.

Remember to avoid flowers and plants that release lots of pollen, and opt for bloom types that feature less pollen or have an especially small flower head. If you're struggling with hay fever, avoid indoor plants that flower, and opt for leafier kinds or succulents! Palms are especially good for allergy sufferers, and can even filter out some chemicals that can worsen a pollen allergy.