The Best Flowers for Allergy Sufferers

Flowers make great gifts because they look nice and are fragrant. But there are many people around the world who are allergic to flowers, which would seem to eliminate them from getting flowers as gifts. Luckily for allergy sufferers who appreciate the beauty of flowers, there are types of flowers that will not trigger allergic reactions and would act as wonderful gifts. If you get a little creative, you can find flower arrangements using these flowers that can be given to anyone as a gift for any occasion. Use this comprehensive resource as your guide to putting together gifts that offer beauty to anyone's life.

Silk Flowers

Silk flowers are not only beautiful, but they will last for a very long time. There are silk versions of just about every real flower available, which would allow you to put together an impressive bouquet. You can get silk flowers that come with a fragrance that reminds people of the real flowers, but that may be risky for someone who has serious allergies. You should probably just keep things simple and use silk flowers as a very beautiful and permanent gift.

Hostas

Hostas are popular for their look as well as the fact that they are great for people who have allergies. They have large white and gold petals with smaller flowers on the inside. The smaller flowers can be an off-white or a pale version of violet. The hosta has almost no scent and makes an ideal gift for allergy sufferers. You can find Hostas and more by viewing our blooming plant selection here.

Hydrangeas

Some of the flowers that work well for allergy sufferers are extremely popular, and that includes the hydrangea. The hydrangea provides a burst of color are are usually found in pink, blue, or white, though they are sometimes seen in orange, yellow, and purple. You can give a hydrangea bouquet, or you can plant a hydrangea bush for an allergy sufferer and let them enjoy the look of this popular plant.

Geraniums

Geraniums can come in a variety of colors, and they do not offer any problems for people with allergies. Geraniums look almost like a vine, which is why they are extremely popular as hanging plants. They are also very durable, which means that they can withstand the elements outdoors and still give a colorful look.

Roses

People are always relieved to hear that roses make the list of flowers that can be given to an allergy sufferer because roses are world-famous for their beauty. The pollen particles on a rose are entirely too big to become airborne and cause problems for people with allergies. The only issue with roses is their strong aroma that can tend to give some people headaches. But roses will not trigger allergy symptoms. Check out our rose bouquets here.

Orchids

Orchids make great gifts because they can be grown over and over again. When the petals start to fall off the plant, you can snip the flowers off and plant the stems. The orchids will grow back and provide another year of allergy-free enjoyment.

Asiatic Lilies

There is usually confusion among allergy sufferers as to which lilies are allergy-free. Asiatic lilies can be altered to have their pollen removed, making them allergy-free. As with roses, lilies tend to be very fragrant and can cause headaches. When you buy lilies for an allergy sufferer, be sure you are getting Asiatic lilies that have been altered to be allergy-free.

Mums

Mums have no stamens, which means they have no pollen. Any allergy sufferer will tell you that it is the pollen that makes life difficult. Another great thing about mums is that they have a full compliment of petals that makes them look beautiful when they bloom.

Periwinkles

The periwinkle is distinguished by its tiny flowers that have a great effect on outdoor landscaping and an almost allergy-free effect. Madagascar periwinkles are exceptionally low on pollen and can be the centerpiece of any garden.

Tulips

Tulips have a very low airborne pollen count, but they can be tricky to handle. While these flowers look great, they can cause a rash if handled without gloves. Just be sure to protect your skin when handling tulips and making them part of your allergy-free garden.

Cacti

You probably never gave much thought to a cactus being in your house or garden, but they can offer some interesting and beautiful flowers. The best part is that cacti have a low pollen count and are great for allergy sufferers.

• How to Plant a Cactus Container Garden

• Basic Rose Care

• Tulips

• Growing Periwinkle

• Orchids Basics

• How to Grow Mums

• 5 Tips For Growing Gorgeous Hydrangeas

• Plant Care Guides - Geraniums

• Growing Hostas

Article written by Chad Kremp