15 Best Hypoallergenic Flowers for Your Allergy-Friendly Garden
Choosing the right flowers for an allergy-friendly garden can help minimize allergy symptoms in the environment. Here are 15 of the best hypoallergenic flowers to consider for your garden.
Selecting Plants for Your Garden
Introduction
For allergy sufferers who enjoy gardening, avoiding your garden during peak allergy season can be disheartening. Allergy-free gardening, however, can help you overcome this challenge. By carefully selecting hypoallergenic flowers, you can create a stunning garden that won't trigger your allergies.
In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to the best hypoallergenic flowers for allergy sufferers. We'll discuss what hypoallergenic flowers are and why they're essential, as well as provide a list of the top 15 hypoallergenic flowers you can plant in your garden.
Whether you're a horticulturist, gardener, or someone who loves spending time outdoors, this guide will help you create an allergy-friendly garden that you can enjoy year-round.
Understanding Hypoallergenic Flowers
If you love the beauty of flowers but have to deal with the unpleasant symptoms of allergies, hypoallergenic flowers are the way to go. These flowers are the perfect solution for people who want to enjoy gardening without worrying about pollen triggering their allergies.
Hypoallergenic flowers come in many varieties, typically those that produce little to no pollen or have sticky pollen that doesn't quickly disperse into the air. You can enjoy gardening without worrying about sneezing, watery eyes, or a runny nose by choosing these flowers.
However, it's essential to remember that there is no such thing as an utterly allergen-free plant. Even hypoallergenic flowers can produce some pollen at lower levels than other varieties. Knowing which flowers to choose is essential when planning an allergy-friendly garden.
When selecting hypoallergenic flowers, it's essential to consider factors like bloom time, color, and scent. Some flowers may produce less pollen when not in bloom or a particular color. For example, red and yellow flowers are more allergenic, while white, pink, and blue flowers are less likely to trigger allergies.
It's also worth noting that while hypoallergenic flowers are less likely to trigger allergies in humans, they may still attract bees and other pollinators. These insects are essential to pollination, so choosing flowers that are still attractive to them is crucial.
By understanding the nature of hypoallergenic flowers and how to choose them, you can create a beautiful and allergy-friendly garden that you can enjoy without worrying about triggering your allergies. So get started on creating your own beautiful and allergen-free garden.
Tips for Choosing the Best Hypoallergenic Flowers for Your Garden
When planning an allergy-friendly garden, it's best to primarily include the most hypoallergenic flowers, such as dioecious plants, but only female specimens that do not produce pollen. Trees and shrubs are also excellent choices since their pollen is heavy and falls to the soil quickly. Flower structure is also essential, with closed-flower species or most of the Lamiaceae family producing allergy-friendly flowers. Choosing low-pollen flowers is another excellent solution for allergy sufferers who want to reduce seasonal allergies.
You can also opt for full flowers that do not produce pollen, which are plants with sterile flowers. The flowers cannot reproduce as their central reproductive parts have transformed into petals. Sterile flowers are perfect for allergy-friendly floral arrangements and wedding bouquets. With pollen-free, elegant flowers, you can create beautiful arrangements and bouquets without the risk of allergies.
Top Choices Among Hypoallergenic Flowers for Your Garden
Iris
Common name
Iris, Common iris, Flag, Flag iris, Bearded iris, Tall bearded iris, Intermediate bearded iris, Border bearded irises, Standard dwarf bearded irises
Botanical name
Iris × germanica
Family
Iridaceae
Type
Perennial herb
Native area
Europe, North Africa, Middle East
Hardiness zone
3 - 10 (-40°C to -1°C)
Height
30 cm - 1 m (12" - 40")
Spread
30 cm - 1 m (12" - 40")
Spacing
30 cm - 1 m (12" - 40")
Light preference
Full sun to part shade
Water preference
Moist to wet
Maintenance
Moderate
Soil type
Clay, loam
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 - 7.5)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, well-drained
Garden uses
Borders, mass plantings, cut flowers
Garden styles
Cottage, formal, contemporary
Companion plants
Daylilies (Hemerocallis), Peonies (Paeonia), Catmint (Nepeta), Salvia (Salvia)
Irises are popular perennials that belong to the bulbous plant family and are perfect for allergy-friendly gardens. The pollen of the iris is located deep in the lower part of the flowers and is very heavy and sticky, which prevents it from dispersing in the air and causing allergic reactions. The pollen falls to the ground even after being released from the flowers, making it a great choice for those with allergies.
Candle Larkspur
Common names
Candle larkspur, Bee larkspur, King Arthur
Botanical name
Delphinium elatum
Family
Ranunculaceae
Type
Perennial
Native area
Europe and Asia
Hardiness zone
3 - 7 (-40°C to -17°C)
Height
120 cm - 180 cm (48" - 72")
Spread
60 cm - 75 cm (24" - 30")
Spacing
30 cm - 60 cm (12" - 24")
Light preference
Full sun to partial shade
Water preference
Moist, well-draining soil
Maintenance
Moderate
Soil type
Loamy, sandy or clay soil
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.5 - 7.5)
Soil drainage
Well-drained soil
Garden uses
Excellent for borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens
The candle larkspur is an allergy-friendly flower with low allergenic potential. The full-flowered varieties have flaming petals that transform into anthers. The unique structure of the flower makes it difficult for pollen to be blown out into the air, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies.
The large-flowered pelargonium is an excellent plant choice for allergy sufferers, as it does not trigger allergic reactions. The geranium's hypoallergenic flowers emit very little pollen, and breeders have even developed pollen-free varieties. Pelargonium flowers are not known to cause hay fever or itchy eyes, but it's still possible for someone to have an allergic reaction, such as skin irritation, from touching the leaves. This makes pelargoniums a great hypoallergenic flower gift for those with flower allergies. When selecting pelargoniums, be sure to choose full-flower varieties that are hypoallergenic and do not produce pollen.
Garden Snapdragon
Common names
Garden snapdragon, Common snapdragon, Snapdragon, Dragon flower, Lion's mouth
Botanical name
Antirrhinum majus
Family
Plantaginaceae
Type
Herbaceous perennial, grown as an annual or biennial
Native area
Mediterranean region
Hardiness zone
7 - 11 (-18°C to 5°C / 0°F to 40°F)
Height
15 cm - 90 cm (6" - 36")
Spread
15 cm - 30 cm (6" - 12")
Spacing
15 cm - 30 cm (6" - 12")
Light preference
Full sun to partial shade
Water preference
Moist, well-drained soil
Maintenance
Low to moderate maintenance
Soil type
Loamy, sandy, or clay soil
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.5 - 7.5)
Soil drainage
Good drainage
Garden uses
Borders, containers, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, rock gardens
Snapdragon, popularly known as a lion's mouth, is one of the best hypoallergenic flowers. It owes its name to the shape of the flowers. When the fingers squeeze the flower on the sides, it opens and resembles the mouth of a lion. Garden snapdragons are attractive, long-flowering allergy friendly flowers for hanging containers, balcony boxes, and ground cover plants.
The snapdragon has closed flowers, i.e., the stamens are inside the flower, which opens when the insect sits on the flower's lip. Due to the characteristic labial structure of the flowers, sticky pollen is retained inside the flowers.
Petunia is a glamorous balcony plant that produces less pollen and is considered non-allergenic. Thanks to these properties, petunias are classified as hypoallergenic plants. These plants, like the tomato, belong to the nightshade family of plants whose organs contain poisonous alkaloids. Petunias are graceful flowers that effectively decorate the garden without causing pollen allergies.
Bee Balm
Common names
Bee balm, Oswego tea, Bergamot, Horsemint, and Crimson beebalm
Botanical name
Monarda didyma
Family
Lamiaceae
Type
Herbaceous perennial
Native area
Eastern North America
Hardiness zone
4 - 9 (-34°C to -1°C)
Height
90 cm - 120 cm (35" - 47")
Spread
45 cm - 60 cm (18" - 24")
Spacing
45 cm - 60 cm (18" - 24")
Light preference
Full sun to part shade
Water preference
Moist, well-drained soil
Maintenance
Deadheading to promote blooming and prevent self-seeding; dividing every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding
Soil type
Loamy, sandy or clay soils
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0 - 7.0)
Soil drainage
Well-drained soil
Garden uses
Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; used in herb gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows; cut flowers; culinary herb
Garden styles
Cottage gardens, wildflower gardens, herb gardens, prairie-style gardens
Companion plants
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)
Bee balm is one of the best flowers for allergy sufferers. Most of the bulb plants considered to be spring flowers are self-pollinating. The minimum amount of flower pollen produced by a bee balm may be suspended in the air, but its allergenic potential is low. It means they are ideal for hypoallergenic flower bouquets.
Carnation
Common names
Carnation, Clove pink, Gillyflower
Botanical name
Dianthus caryophyllus
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Type
Herbaceous perennial
Native area
Mediterranean region
Hardiness zone
6 - 9 (-23°C to -1°C)
Height
30 cm - 60 cm (12" - 24")
Spread
30 cm - 45 cm (12" - 18")
Spacing
30 cm - 45 cm (12" - 18")
Light preference
Full sun to partial shade
Water preference
Well-drained soil, medium moisture
Maintenance
Deadheading and regular fertilization
Soil type
Loamy, well-drained soil
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.75 - 7.25)
Soil drainage
Well-drained soil
Garden uses
Cut flowers, borders, containers, rock gardens
Garden styles
English cottage, formal, Mediterranean
Companion plants
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Lavender (Lavandula), Salvia (Salvia), Yarrow (Achillea)
Carnations produce low pollen count but give off an intense scent that can disturb a hypersensitive person. People allergic to pollen should choose carnation varieties with full flowers. There is no center of these flowers, which in other varieties attract bees, which carry pollen. It means that they are great for hypoallergenic flower arrangements.
Peony
Common names
Chinese peony, Common garden peony, Japanese peony
Botanical name
Paeonia lactiflora
Family
Paeoniaceae
Type
Herbaceous perennial
Native area
China, Korea, and Japan
Hardiness zone
3 - 8 (-40°C to -12°C / -40°F to 10°F)
Height
60 cm - 90 cm (24" - 36")
Spread
60 cm - 90 cm (24" - 36")
Spacing
60 cm - 90 cm (24" - 36")
Light preference
Full sun to partial shade
Water preference
Average moisture, well-drained soil
Maintenance
Regular deadheading and division every 3-4 years
Soil type
Rich, loamy soil
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.5 - 7.0)
Soil drainage
Well-drained soil
Garden uses
Cut flowers, borders, mass plantings, mixed beds
Garden styles
Cottage gardens, formal gardens, mixed borders, herb gardens
Peonies produce low sticky pollen, which won't disperse in the air and cause allergic reactions. Full-flowered peony varieties have only sterile flowers, so they are entirely free of anthers, which have been transformed into additional petals. Due to the lack of pollen, full-flowered flowers can be safely used in flower bouquets, as they do not cause allergy symptoms.
The hypoallergenic flower of tuberous begonia is a great idea for a gift for an allergy sufferer. Tuberous begonias produce little pollen, so it is a good garden plant that does not cause pollen allergies. Tuberous begonia varieties with double flowers are the most allergy friendly because they do not produce anthers. It means they are ideal hypoallergenic flowers for people with allergies.
Tulips
Common names
Tulip, Garden tulip, Dutch tulip, etc.
Botanical name
Tulipa
Family
Liliaceae
Type
Bulbous perennial
Native area
Central Asia and Europe
Hardiness zone
3 - 8 (-40°C to -12°C / -40°F to 10°F)
Height
10 cm - 70 cm (4" - 28")
Spread
10 cm - 30 cm (4" - 12")
Spacing
10 cm - 20 cm (4" - 8")
Light preference
Full sun to partial shade
Water preference
Well-drained soil, medium moisture
Maintenance
Low
Soil type
Sandy, loamy, or clay soils
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0 - 7.5)
Soil drainage
Well-drained soil
Garden uses
Borders, rock gardens, containers, mass plantings, cut flowers
Tulips are beloved spring flowers known for their unique perianth shape. They belong to the lily family, which means they produce very little allergy pollen. Single-flowered tulip varieties produce heavy pollen that clings to their distinct stamens. Although it carries pollen, its particles are non-volatile so they won't cause any problems for most allergy sufferers.
The hypoallergenic tulips flower is sterile, meaning they do not produce pollen. Tulips are full of hypoallergenic flowers, ideal for allergy sufferers.
Moth Orchid
Common names
Moth orchid, Phalaenopsis orchid
Botanical name
Phalaenopsis
Family
Orchidaceae
Type
Epiphyte
Native area
Tropical Asia and Australia
Hardiness zone
10 - 12 (-12°C to 35°C / 10°F to 95°F)
Height
30 cm - 90 cm (12" - 35")
Spread
15 cm - 60 cm (6" - 24")
Spacing
30 cm - 60 cm (12" - 24")
Light preference
Bright, indirect light (no direct sunlight)
Water preference
Regular watering, but let soil dry between waterings
Maintenance
Regular pruning of spent blooms and damaged leaves
Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae), Ferns (Filicophyta), other Orchids (Orchidaceae), Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum)
Orchids do not cause pollen allergies because orchid plants have very little sticky pollen. In addition, unlike other flowers, orchids patiently wait for a pollinator and do not release pollen into the air. That is why orchid family plants are often recommended to allergy sufferers. In cold climatic zones, orchids are grown as houseplants. Due to the high durability of low-allergenic flowers with a long vase life, it is an excellent choice for floral arrangements and seasonal and wedding bouquets. The best hypoallergenic flower from the orchid family for allergy sufferers, apart from the already mentioned moth orchid, will also be the dendrobium orchid and the boat orchid.
Multiflora Rose
Common names
Multiflora rose, baby rose, Japanese rose, seven-sisters rose, rambler rose, and others
Botanical name
Rosa multiflora
Family
Rosaceae
Type
Deciduous climbing shrub
Native area
Eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, and China
Hardiness zone
5 - 9 (-23°C to -1°C / -10°F to 30°F)
Height
Up to 4.5 m (15 ft)
Spread
Up to 3 m (10 ft)
Spacing
1.5 m - 2 m (5 ft - 6.5 ft)
Light preference
Full sun to partial shade
Water preference
Moist, well-drained soil
Maintenance
Requires regular pruning to control growth and remove old canes
Soil type
Tolerates a range of soil types, but prefers loamy soils
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0 - 7.0)
Soil drainage
Well-drained soil
Garden uses
Good for naturalizing, erosion control, and wildlife habitat
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), Coneflower (Echinacea), Butterfly weed (Asclepias), Salvia (Salvia), Catmint (Nepeta)
Roses are the most popular garden plants that can also decorate a garden for allergy sufferers. The full flowers of roses are a good choice for allergy sufferers. Single-petal rose flowers produce heavy, sticky airborne pollen. Full-flowered rose varieties are sterile and do not produce allergenic pollen. Double-flowered roses result from a mutation that modifies some or all of the stamens and pistils and causes them to develop into perianth leaves. Double-flowered roses have no pollen, making them perfect hypoallergenic flowers.
Rhododendron
Common names
Rhododendron, Azalea, Rosebay
Botanical name
Rhododendron
Family
Ericaceae
Type
Evergreen or deciduous shrubs
Native area
Asia, Europe, North America
Hardiness zone
4 - 9 (-34°C to -1°C / -30°F to 30°F)
Height
0.3 m - 9 m (1 ft - 30 ft)
Spread
0.3 m - 9 m (1 ft - 30 ft)
Spacing
1.2 m - 3 m (4 ft - 10 ft)
Light preference
Partial shade to full sun
Water preference
Moist, well-drained soil
Maintenance
Pruning after flowering to maintain shape
Soil type
Acidic, humus-rich soil
Soil pH
Acidic (pH 4.5 - 6.0)
Soil drainage
Well-drained soil
Garden uses
Specimen plant, mass planting, foundation planting, hedge, woodland garden
Rhododendron is a widespread genus of garden plants from the heather family (Ericaceae). Rhododendrons are woody shrubs whose pollination depends on insects. They rarely release pollen into the wind. But it would be unwise to smell a rhododendron flower too close. To ensure that rhododendron does not produce sticky pollen, choose varieties with double flowers, which are highly hypoallergenic.
Hosta is an ornamental garden plant with leaves. Over 5,000 varieties of this plant have different heights and colors of leaves. Thanks to such a range of colors, you can easily create a single species flower bed from hosta flowers. Hosta blooms, but its many flowers are usually removed before flowering, so it does not threaten those suffering from pollen allergy.
Bigleaf Hydrangea
Common names
Bigleaf hydrangea, Hortensia, Mophead hydrangea, Lacecap hydrangea, French hydrangea
Botanical name
Hydrangea macrophylla
Family
Hydrangeaceae
Type
Deciduous shrub
Native area
Asia, North America, South America
Hardiness zone
6 - 9 (-23°C to -1°C / -10°F to 30°F)
Height
185 cm - 3 m (6 ft - 10 ft)
Spread
185 cm - 3 m (6 ft - 10 ft)
Spacing
185 cm - 2.5 m (6 ft - 8 ft)
Light preference
Partial shade to full shade
Water preference
Medium
Maintenance
Low to medium
Soil type
Clay, loam, sand
Soil pH
Acidic, alkaline, neutral (pH 4.5 - 7.5)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, well-drained
Garden uses
Borders, hedges, foundation plantings, specimen plant, woodland gardens, containers
Garden styles
Traditional, Cottage, Woodland, Formal
Companion plants
Azaleas (Rhododendron), Japanese maples (Acer palmatum), Camellias (Camellia)
Aside from being unique garden decorations, bigleaf hydrangea plants have other uses. They form colorful, conical inflorescences composed of many small flowers with heavy, sticky pollen that cannot rise into the air. Moreover, wide varieties of hydrangeas have sterile flowers, which means they are pollen-free. They are also the best flowers for allergy sufferers.
Florists commonly use both the fresh and dried flowers of hydrangea plants in their arrangements. Floral arrangements such as bouquets or wreaths can be created using them for a beautiful outcome.
All of these properties make hydrangeas considered the best hypoallergenic flowers.
Other Considerations for an Allergy-Friendly Garden
While choosing hypoallergenic flowers is an important step towards creating an allergy-friendly garden, there are a few other considerations you should keep in mind to further reduce allergens.
Using Mulch to Reduce Pollen
One way to reduce pollen exposure in your garden is to use mulch. Mulch is a material layer, such as leaves, grass clippings, or bark, spread over the soil surface around plants. Mulch can help to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature, but it can also help to reduce pollen levels.
When pollen falls from flowers, it can settle on the soil surface and become airborne again when disturbed by wind or foot traffic. Adding a layer of mulch over the soil surface can help trap pollen and prevent it from becoming airborne again.
Additionally, certain types of mulch may be less likely to harbor pollen-producing plants than others. For example, a mulch made from shredded pine needles or cedar bark may be less likely to contain pollen-producing plants than a mulch made from grass clippings or hay.
It's also important to note that not all mulch is created equal regarding allergies. Some types of mulch, such as hay, may contain mold spores that can trigger allergy symptoms in some individuals. If you're sensitive to mold, it's best to avoid using these types of mulch and opt for a different material.
When using mulch in your garden, be sure to choose a type appropriate for the plants you're growing and the conditions in your garden. And be sure to apply mulch properly, avoiding excessive depth that can create a breeding ground for pests and diseases.
Using mulch in your garden can help reduce pollen exposure and create a more comfortable environment for allergy sufferers.
Planting in Raised Beds
Planting in raised beds can also help reduce the amount of pollen released into the air. Raised beds keep flowers at a higher level, meaning their pollen is less likely to be blown around by the wind.
Using Companion Planting
Companion planting involves planting certain flowers, herbs, or vegetables together in order to benefit each other. When it comes to allergy-friendly gardening, planting certain herbs such as basil, mint, and oregano can help to repel insects that may be attracted to pollen, while also adding a pleasant fragrance to your garden.
Summary
The worst flowers for allergy sufferers are wind-pollinated plants and plants from the Asteraceae family. Fortunately, there are many hypoallergenic flowers. Plants safe for allergy sufferers include female dioecious trees that do not produce pollen.
Among ornamental plants, it is best to choose insect-pollinated species whose pollen is heavy, sticky, and poorly spread in the air. Plants with large, cup-shaped flowers are perfect. It is better to choose hypoallergenic varieties and species with a weak smell. Intensely fragrant ones (lilies, jasmine vine, carnations) can produce allergenic essential oils and trigger allergies.