Roses are just one variety of flower that doesn’t shed pollen (Image: Getty Images) This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
With around one in four Brits affected by hayfever, the spring and summer months can be tough for those who love spending time in the garden. But the right planting choices can make a big difference.
Experts at Gardening Express have compiled a list of seven hayfever-friendly flower varieties that produce little pollen or have pollen that’s too heavy to become airborne. Ideal for allergy sufferers, these blooms allow gardening enthusiasts to enjoy colourful, fragrant displays without the usual sneezing, itchy eyes, or runny noses.
Chris Bonnett from Gardening Express said: “Just because you suffer from hayfever doesn’t mean you have to give up on gardening. There are plenty of beautiful, low-pollen plants that can bring your garden to life without making your symptoms worse. By choosing the right varieties — like carnations, hydrangeas, and roses — you can enjoy a vibrant outdoor space while keeping hayfever at bay.”
Hydrangeas release very little pollen into the air (Image: Getty)The seven best hayfever-friendly flowers for the garden:1. Roses
Roses are a timeless garden favourite that add a magical touch to outside spaces. Unlike some other flowers, roses have a heavy pollen that is unlikely to become airborne.
Rose plants are typically sold as either potted plants (already growing in soil) or bare-root plants (dormant with no soil around the roots). Multi-pack bush roses offer an abundance of colour and are easy to plant.
2. Geraniums
Geraniums are low in pollen as they rely on insects rather than wind for pollination. They are also allergy-friendly and available in a stunning range of colours. Purchasing garden ready plants makes it easier to grow a success batch of geraniums, but they can also be grown from bulbs.
3. Hydrangeas
While Hydrangeas may be known for their large blooms and sticky pollen, they release very little into the air. This makes their big blooms perfect for spring and summer gardens.
Giant hydrangeas are particularly popular, being easy to grow and offering maximum coverage.
Peonies trap pollen within their dense petals (Image: Getty)4. Peonies
Peonies have lush, full-bodied flowers that trap most of their pollen within their dense petals, reducing airborne exposure.Potted peonies can be transferred to beds and borders for an instant pop of colour.
5. Carnations
With relatively low pollen output, especially in insect-pollinated varieties, carnations offer a gentle and colourful option. Known for their frilled petals, clove-like scent ready to plant carnations come in a variety of colours and sizes.
6. Snapdragons
Snapdragons have tightly closed buds that limit how much pollen escapes. Their extended bloom time also makes them a long-lasting addition to the flower bed. A lesser known garden variety, snapdragons are much admired for their tall, spire-like stems adorned with velvety blushing blooms that are easy to grow.
7. Camellias
Glossy evergreen foliage and heavy, sticky pollen make camellias both elegant and allergy-friendly, as their pollen rarely becomes airborne. Camellias are perfect for planters and patios with glossy petals and oversized blooms.
Snapdragons add a riot of colour to the garden (Image: Getty)
For those who love gardening but dread the onset of hayfever, Gardening Express sells an amazing array of garden plants and flowers, perfect for beds and borders, hanging baskets and patio containers.
To help create a beautiful haven, gardeners can also find a wide range of bulbs and ready to plant flowers on Amazon. With a variety of deals to choose from, shoppers could snap up Queen Elizabeth roses with 15% off at £19.54 or Mixed Geranium Plug Plants for £14.99.
Elsewhere at shopping marketplace Yimbly (owned by the Daily Express parent company Reach Plc), garden lovers will find a selection of seeds and bulbs as well as a wide range of pretty outdoor accessories. This Galvanised Steel Raised Box Planter, for example, is reduced to £41.99 and is very on-trend for the 2025 garden season.
Buyers on a budget should also consider deal site Wowcher. They offer low prices on a variety of plants and flowers, including a trio of peonies for £12.99, mixed petunias for £8.99 and hydrangea ‘Annabelle’ plants also at £8.99.
Flower fans who have already purchased online from Gardening Express have given them a 4.2 out of five-star rating on Trustpilot. One customer said: “Great offers and quality plants arrived, a couple much larger than expected. Easy to purchase and really good value.”
Another added: “Great gardening online company! Beautiful plants and flowers and lots more ! Fast and reliable delivery.”
Sadly, not all buyers were quite so impressed. One disappointed customer said: “Very disappointed. Ordered two rose trees. One had a few leaves on the top. The other was like a twig.”
However, a happier shopper said: “Plants arrived on time, very well boxed and once opened, I found them in great condition. I can’t wait to get them replanted and in the garden.”