Yahoo News Low-pollen plants for your home and garden that are perfect for hay fever sufferers
It's estimated that around one third of people in the UK suffer from hay fever, which hits its peak in between March and September every year - making summer one of the worst times for victims.
The irritating symptoms of itchy, runny eyes and sneezing can be a real nightmare to deal with, especially if you're a keen gardener or love keeping plants and flowers in the house.
However, there are certain kinds that are totally safe for allergy sufferers, as they contain virtually no pollen - which is one of the major triggers of hay fever.
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Chris Bonnett from Gardening Express said: “Pollen grains are usually wind borne or picked up on the bodies of beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees.
“Sufferers experience the worst symptoms between late March and September, particularly when it’s warm, humid, or windy.
“Flowers that produce a lot of pollen, like daisies, sunflowers and baby’s breath are extremely pretty, but if you’re struggling to see them through streaming eyes, our suggestions should make you able to enjoy the outdoors again.”
Here are some of the top hay fever-friendly plants and flowers that you can still enjoy this summer and avoid any unpleasant side effects.
Roses
Roses have a beautifully sweet scent and are very low in pollen. The small amount of pollen that roses produce is too heavy to be airborne, making them super safe for anyone with allergies.
Yarrow
These flowering herbs give hay fever sufferers a pretty, delicate foliage, without being offensive on allergies. They are easy to grow, sometimes classed as a weed and not fussy about their conditions - but do enjoy full sun. Yarrow has also been used in herbal remedies since ancient times.
Camellia
These easy to grow, glossy evergreens produce bright blooms that come in whites, pinks, and reds. Camellias have both their male and female reproductive organs on the same flower, meaning their pollen doesn’t travel far for pollination.
Geranium
Geraniums are simple, five-petaled flowers that allergy sufferers can enjoy in a variety of colours, including pink, white, red, purple, and blue. They’re an excellent choice for potted plants, as they feature rich green foliage.
Lobelia
These pretty two-lipped flowers grow on narrow dark green leaves and are perfect for adding a bit of brightness to window boxes and pots.
Fruit trees
Most fruit trees are pollinated by insects and not via wind, meaning they are less likely to irritate allergy sufferers. Plus depending on the type of tree you pick, you’ll get a bumper crop of apples, pears, or cherries throughout the summer months.
Conifer
Conifer hedges planted along garden boundaries can help block clouds of pollen and they add more privacy to your space. If you're not sure which to opt for, cedars, firs, junipers, and pines, spruces, and yews.
