A GARDENING expert has revealed the best and worst flowers to have if you suffer hay fever.
With summer just around the corner, millions of Brits will be dreading their usual symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes and fatigue.
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And it comes amid shortages of some hay fever tablets.
People with hay fever might benefit from making their garden pollen-proof to ease their condition.
Some flowers and plants expel more pollen than others.
Not only could this make al fresco dining in your own garden a nightmare, but the spores may blow into your home through windows and doors.
Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk 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 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.”
The worst offenders
Experts said among the most problematic flowers for hay fever sufferers are:
- Daisies
- Sunflowers
- Baby’s breath
Better choices
You’re better off going for plants like roses and fruit trees to help keep sneezing to a minimum.
Chris gave his top choices:
1. Roses
“Whilst roses have a beautifully sweet scent, they 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 suffers 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 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, plus they add more privacy to your space.
“If you’re not sure which to opt for, cedars, firs, junipers, and pines, spruces, and yews.”