Pollen free plants to keep hay fever at bay

Brits who suffer from hay fever are being told of seven plants that can help keep their sneezes at bay this summer. 

The green fingered experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have investigated which plants are practically free from pollen to help those with allergies enjoy the outdoors.

Hay fever affects one in three Britons and irritating symptoms such as itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and wheezing can make for an uncomfortable summer.

Those looking to enjoy the outdoors are being encouraged to fill their gardens with pollen free plants in order to keep their hay fever at bay.

Plants that give off little pollen include roses, camellia, conifers, and the yarrow flower.

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.”

GardeningExpress.co.uk’s flowers to keep hay fever at bay

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.