Looking for flowers that will enhance your outdoor space but don’t produce a lot of pollen? Check out our list of the 14 best low pollen flowers for your balcony or garden!
These allergy-friendly plants are great for those with sensitivities to pollens or those who just want to enjoy the beauty of these flowers, starting in spring and throughout summer, without worrying about allergies.
What are some flower pollen allergy symptoms?
If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from pollen allergies, you know that the symptoms can be debilitating.
The most common symptoms of flower pollen allergies are:
- sneezing
- runny nose and/or stuffy nose
- itchy and/or red and watery eyes
- swelling around the eyes
Some people also experience hives, wheezing, asthma attacks as well as fever.
The severity of symptoms varies from person to person, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all.
If you need to clean your balcony or patio from lots of pollen before planting your low pollen flowers, here’s a guide on how to clean pollen off your balcony.
Which flowers are low in pollen?
Springtime is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. For those with allergies, however, this season can be a challenge. Trees and flowers are in bloom, and their pollen can cause misery for allergy sufferers.
If you’re looking for flowering plants that have little pollen, here are some great options to consider.
Please keep in mind that while these flowers work great for most sensitive people, they may cause symptoms for some, as they come in many varieties.
The best thing to do is to ask about them in the flower boutique before buying, or read about them and their pollen count on the product page before purchasing online.
With that said, let’s have a look at the most popular low pollen flowers for balcony!
1. Tulip
Tulips supply a distinctive shape that gives them many fans. They’re one of several flowers in the lily family, meaning they are not gifted a whole lot of pollen.
What they do produce, though, is high-quality, sticky pollen that retains in their large florets. Tulips add a stunning, complementary color ingredient in combination with peonies and lilies.
2. Geranium
People love Geranium because of its pleasing fragrance and its beautiful blooms. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple, and they add a splash of color to any garden or balcony. Geraniums are also easy to care for, and they thrive in both sun and shade.
Geraniums do not produce a great deal of pollen, and the pollen they do produce is not particularly potent. This means that people who are allergic to pollen may be able to tolerate geraniums without experiencing any adverse effects. This flower is hands down one of the best low pollen flowers for balcony.
3. Daffodil
Daffodils are the embodiment of springtime. They are one of the first flowers to bloom, and their cheerful yellow petals always bring a smile to people’s faces.
There is something about their delicate beauty that just makes people happy. Daffodils remind us that warmer days are ahead, and that life is blooming once again.
Daffodils are a type of flower that generally have low pollen levels. This means that they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people who suffer from allergies.
However, there is always the chance that an individual could be allergic to any type of flower, so it is best to avoid them if you know you have a severe allergy.
4. Iris
The flower Iris is an incredibly complex and interesting plant that has been adored by people for centuries. There are many reasons why people love Iris, but some of the most common reasons include its unique appearance, its long history, and its many benefits.
The Iris is a beautiful flower that has a long stem and three large petals. It can come in many different colors, including blue, purple, yellow, and white.
Iris flowers are not typically low in pollen. However, their pollen is heavy and stored deep inside the flower, which often helps prevent allergic reactions.
5. Viola
The Viola flower is loved because of its intricate beauty and delicate aroma. The purple petals are offset by a yellow center, and the fragrance is said to be both sweet and refreshing.
The Viola is also a hardy flower, meaning it can grow in a variety of climates and soil types. This versatility makes it a popular choice for balcony gardeners and florists alike.
The Viola flower is low in pollen because it does not rely on wind to spread pollen. Instead, the Viola flower uses insects like bees to spread pollen. This makes the Viola flower less efficient in spreading pollen and results in fewer allergic reactions.
6. Hydrangea
The Hydrangea flower is a popular choice for gardens and arrangements due to its large blooms and long-lasting flowers. The flowers come in many colors, including pink, blue, white, and purple, and can be grown in many climates. Hydrangeas are also easy to care for and are drought-tolerant.
Hydrangea is a flower that is known to have low pollen levels. Additionally, the pollen of this flower is sticky and tends to stay with the flower.
7. Periwinkle
The Periwinkle flower is often loved because of its unique appearance. The petals are a light purple color and the center of the flower is a darker purple. The flower is also small, so it can easily be placed in any garden or a balcony planter.
Some Periwinkle varieties such as the Madagascar Periwinkle, are indeed low in pollen, while others are not. Overall, though, periwinkle plants are not particularly known for their high pollen production. Plus, their pollen is deep within the flower, which could explain why they are not commonly allergenic.
8. Roses
The popularity of roses can be attributed to their ability to evoke strong emotions in people. Roses are symbols of love, admiration, and appreciation. They are also associated with happiness, joy, and peace. Roses are beautiful flowers that can be used to express feelings that words cannot.
When it comes to roses and their levels of pollen, it depends on the species of rose and the climate conditions in which it grows. Some roses are low in pollen, while others are not.
Generally, those roses that are bred for ornamental purposes (as opposed to those bred for use in agriculture) have a lower pollen count.
9. Carnations
Carnations are associated with happiness and good luck. They are often given as gifts for special occasions, like birthdays and anniversaries, because they are seen as symbols of appreciation and love.
Carnations are also very versatile flowers; they come in a variety of colors, so they can be matched with any outfit or decor. Additionally, they are relatively inexpensive, which makes them a popular choice for large floral arrangements.
Carnations are low in pollen because they are sterile flowers. The lack of pollen means that these flowers cannot be fertilized and produce seeds, they need bees to be pollinated.
10. Snapdragons
The Snapdragons plant is beloved by many people because of its unique and vibrant flowers. The flowers are shaped like a dragon’s head, and they snap open when you touch them. They come in many different colors, including pink, red, purple, orange, and yellow.
Snapdragons are considered low in pollen, and the pollens are trapped inside the flower. This makes them an ideal flower for those who suffer from allergies, as the pollen is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Hence, one of the best low pollen flowers for balcony or garden that you should consider!
11. Lily
The lily flower is a beautiful example of the natural world. The delicate petals and symmetrical shape make it a popular choice for gardens and balconies. There are many different species of lily, each with its own unique characteristics. Some, such as the Tiger Lily, have bright colors that stand out in a garden, while others, like the Calla Lily, are more subtle in their beauty.
The pollen of the lily flower is transported by bees. The pollen is sticky and the bees get pollen on their bodies when they visit the lily flowers. When the bees visit other flowers, they spread the pollen.
12. Orchid
Orchids are some of the best low pollen flowers for balconies and gardens because of their attributes. Orchids are beautiful, fragrant flowers that can bloom year after year. The orchid flower has a thick stem that resembles a pitcher plant.
Many people find the petals and sepals on orchids to be quite stunning, and the colors can be very varied. Some people believe that the beauty of orchids is due to their rarity, as they are not as common as some other types of flowers.
Similar to other flowers mentioned, the orchid has a type of pollen that is sticky and attaches to the heads of bees, etc. when they are collecting nectar.
13. Peony
The peony is a perennial flowering plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has large, showy flowers that come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple. Peonies are often used in floral arrangements because of their beauty and fragrance.
There are several reasons why peonies are considered beautiful flowers. Their large petals are often brightly colored and intricately patterned, making them stand out among other flowers.
Peonies have sticky, thick pollen, that tends to stick to the flower. For this reason, they are generally not considered to be a major allergy trigger.
14. Zinnia
Zinnias are popular flowers because they are incredibly easy to grow, come in a variety of colors, and can be used in both fresh and dried arrangements. They are native to North America and can be found in many different climates.
Zinnias are also considered to be a good flower to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
It appears that Zinnias are low in pollen, at least the now common hybrid variety of the flower. This means that they are not bred for their pollen production, but for their beauty and flowering habits.
Which flowers are high in pollen?
There are a bunch of flowers that allergy sufferers do best to avoid. The following flowers have a tendency to cause allergic reactions in some people:
- Asters
- Non-Hybrid Baby’s Breaths
- Non-Hybrid Dahlias
- Daisies
- Chamomile
- Chrysanthemums
- Sunflowers
- Amaranth
Here is a great video on pollen from trees and plants with lots of useful information!
Endnote on the best low pollen flowers for balcony and garden
In conclusion, adding low pollen flowers to your balcony or garden is a great way to reduce your exposure to pollen.
By choosing plants that are native to your region, you can also help support the local ecosystem.
To get started, consider planting some of these 14 best low pollen flowers for balcony and garden that we’ve listed in this article.
PS. Artificial grass is a great addition to the best low pollen flowers on a balcony.
P.P.S. Here is our complete guide with practical info on managing balconies.
Frequently asked questions:
What are hypoallergenic flowers?
Hypoallergenic flowers are flowers that have less pollen, and therefore, cause fewer allergic reactions. They are often called “allergy-free” flowers. Many people who have allergies to pollen can still enjoy the beauty of these flowers without any problems.
What blooms in May that cause allergies?
One of the most common allergies in the springtime and in May, in particular, is caused by pollen from trees, then followed by grass and weeds. This pollen can cause symptoms such as itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. However, it also depends on your geographic location.
Do dried flowers have pollen?
Dried flowers do not typically have pollen. For the most part, when a flower dries out, the pollen grains lose their viability and function. However, if a flower is dried very quickly, the pollen may still be viable.
Are tulips high in pollen?
Tulips are not high in pollen. In fact, they are low in pollen. They have sticky pollen that clings to the flower.
Do roses give off pollen?
When it comes to roses and their levels of pollen, it depends on the species of rose and the climate conditions in which it grows. Some roses are low in pollen, while others are not.
Generally, those roses that are bred for ornamental purposes (as opposed to those bred for use in agriculture) are lower in pollen.
What are the best flowers for allergies?
Some great flowers that produce little pollen include roses, carnations, and geraniums. These flowers will add beauty to your balcony or garden while keeping your allergies under control.