Birthday
HydrangeasA bouquet is one of the most popular gifts, but for people with allergies it can mean a runny nose, sneezing or skin irritation. The good news is that most garden and cut flowers cause allergies less often than people think, and the risk can be reduced further by choosing the right flowers. Here is why some flowers are safer than others, which plants are more likely to cause a reaction and how to put together a bouquet for an allergy sufferer.
Why some flowers are safer than others
The main culprits of seasonal allergies are wind-pollinated plants: birch, grasses, ragweed and wormwood. Their light pollen travels long distances on the wind. Most bright garden and bouquet flowers, however, are pollinated by insects: they produce less pollen, and it is heavier and sticky, so it rarely becomes airborne.
Some people do react to cut flowers — especially members of the daisy family (daisies, chrysanthemums, sunflowers, gerberas) and flowers with lots of exposed pollen. A separate issue is not allergy but irritation from strong scent: the fragrance of lilies, hyacinths and tuberoses gives sensitive people headaches. Florists who handle tulips and alstroemerias a lot can also develop contact dermatitis from their sap.
Flowers that are usually safer
- Roses — especially double varieties, where the pollen is hidden among many petals.
- Orchids — their pollen is packed into dense clumps and hardly gets into the air.
- Hydrangeas, carnations, lisianthus — little pollen and a mild scent.
- Double peonies and tulips — little pollen, although people with sensitive skin should wear gloves when handling tulips.
- Callas, anthuriums, snapdragons — good options for compact bouquets.
Flowers more likely to cause a reaction
- Daisies, chrysanthemums, gerberas, asters — members of the daisy family; people allergic to ragweed or wormwood may cross-react.
- Sunflowers — ordinary varieties shed lots of pollen. Florists increasingly use pollen-free cut varieties — ask when ordering.
- Lilies — large anthers with abundant pollen that also stains clothes. The anthers can be removed with tweezers before the buds open.
- Solidago (goldenrod) and meadow grasses in mixed bouquets.
- Strongly scented flowers — hyacinths, tuberoses, some lilies and freesias: this isn't allergy, but the scent can cause headaches.
How to give a bouquet to someone with allergies
- Ask the recipient or someone close to them what exactly they are allergic to.
- Choose double flowers and bouquets in bud: pollen appears when flowers open fully.
- Ask the florist to remove the lily anthers and leave out grasses and meadow flowers.
- Keep the bouquet out of the bedroom, ventilate the room and change the water so mould doesn't grow in the vase.
- Consider alternatives: low-allergen potted plants, preserved flowers or pollen-free dried arrangements.
- If the reaction is severe, choose a different gift and consult an allergist.
If you mean houseplants rather than bouquets, read our article on houseplants that cause allergies.
Frequently asked questions
Which flowers can I give to an allergy sufferer?
Double roses, orchids, hydrangeas, carnations and lisianthus are usually safe. But reactions vary, so it is best to check with the recipient.
Can I give lilies to someone with allergies?
It's better to choose other flowers. If you do want lilies, remove the anthers before the buds open.
Can you be allergic to flower scent?
Strong fragrance more often causes irritation and headaches than true allergy, but it is just as unpleasant for sensitive people.
What if symptoms appear after receiving a bouquet?
Move the bouquet out of the room, air the room and see a doctor if symptoms are marked.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
