With summer now in full swing, pollen levels are set to reach a seasonal high this week across southern England and parts of Wales, according to the Met Office. So much so that Southern England and most of Wales are currently on red alert, in other words, pollen levels are very high which makes for bad news if you love flowers! While there are plenty of heady blooms to steer clear of, such as hyacinths, chrysanthemums and sunflowers to name a few, Funny How Flowers Do That have teamed up with the trendy East London florist Grace & Thorn to create the ultimate bouquet wish list of hayfever-friendly flowers that won’t set off any symptoms. That’s bloomin’ marvellous, we say!
Roses
Thankfully, all shapes and sizes of these classic beauties only release small amounts of pollen into the air and so are a safe choice for hayfever-sufferers. To further minimise pollen exposure, opt for tight-budded varieties. These come in a variety of colours which can transform the look and feel of your bouquet – for example opt for a cheerful yellow rose for a pop of colour or opt for the classic white rose for simplicity and elegance.
Astrantia
This charming bloom is perfect for adding a touch of colour and texture to a bouquet thanks to its pointed petals and pin-cushioned like centre. A low allergy flower that produces little pollen, the Astrantia will add a wildflower feel to your bouquet – and it’s also super on-trend, so a must-have for Spring bouquets this season.
Yarrow
Tall, slender and brightly coloured in appearance, the yarrow flower is an ideal bouquet addition as it possesses anti-allergenic qualities which prevent the release of histamine – the substance which cause allergic reactions. As well as being a popular flower to add volume and texture to a bouquet, Yarrow is also a regular in herbal remedies to combat allergies.
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum)
In ancient times, snapdragons (named after their beautiful bloom which resembles a dragon’s face) were thought to have supernatural powers and offer protection from witchcraft. Facing more modern-day problems, snapdragons are a safe choice for allergy sufferers thanks to their tightly closed buds which minimise the release of pollen. These are perfect within a mixed bouquet thanks to their multiple blossoms which coat the flower stem.
