Runny nose, itchy eyes and more… allergy season is upon us! Fortunately, several remedies and tips are available to you to help relieve your suffering. There is, however, another recommendation that should not be overlooked in order to better reduce the ordeals. It is rather a preventive measure which consists in not planting allergenic plants in your garden. Which ones? We give you 6 of them, as well as their alternatives.
The 6 allergenic plants to avoid planting in the garden to prevent hay fever
A recent study has shown that the pollen season will get worse and will last longer in view of climate change. Better prevention is therefore in order. In addition to the many treatments available to prevent and relieve symptoms, it is also important to take into account the plants you plant in your own garden since some can make your allergy more severe. So, don’t wait any longer and discover the allergenic plants not to grow in your outdoor space, as well as their alternatives.
Ambroisie
Ambrosia has an “excellent” reputation as an allergenic plant and should be avoided in the garden at all costs. All its species tend to cause strong allergic reactions, and they bloom in late summer and autumn. There are many alternative plants to favor to beautify your garden and avoid the hay fever. One of them is the goldenrod whose pretty yellow flowers will bring a splash of color to your outdoor space! It is a plant that prefers less rich soils, attracts birds and butterflies, likes exposure to full sun or partial shade and requires almost no maintenance.
Allergenic plants not to be planted in the garden: sunflower
Symbols of the warm season, sunflowers are spectacular flowers that everyone loves to have in their garden. However, their pollen as well as their seeds are likely to cause allergies in summer. In addition, some individuals even react to the leaves when touched. What regarding the alternative? Did you know that you can grow sunflowers even if you have a pollen allergy? This is possible thanks to pollen-free or hypoallergenic species.
Birch
Birch pollen allergy is a fairly common phenomenon that turns out to be a real ordeal for many people. Present in the majority of gardens, this tree is indeed responsible for a large number of seasonal allergies. Birch tends to cause rhinitis, conjunctivitis and even asthma.
As for alternatives, consider magnolia or fruit trees including apple, pear and plum.
Chamomile
Believe it or not, this herb known for its calming properties is indeed a very allergenic plant. More concretely, it appears that chamomile pollen can contribute to the development of symptoms specific to hay fever while its leaves and flowers cause skin reactions. Even the consumption of chamomile can cause problems in people with strong allergies.
Alternative plants to consider include woolly thyme which grows everywhere and attracts bees, butterflies and beneficial insects, as well as English lavender which offers purple flowers and a divine scent, as well as culinary use.
Cypress
Red eyes, a cold, a sore throat…these are just some of the symptoms that a cypress pollen allergy can cause. Indeed, this evergreen conifer is the leading cause of respiratory allergies in the south of France. As an alternative, consider potted boxwood – a good choice for designing a hypoallergenic garden. However, to succeed in this one, it is essential to prune the boxwood regularly in order to cut off the flowers that are forming. If they flower, they will release their pollen and your ordeals begin.
Allergenic plants not to be planted in the garden: jasmine
Nothing like grow jasmine in the garden to admire its spectacular fragrance on sunny days! So it’s a bad idea if you have a pollen allergy. Jasmine is an allergenic plant whose flower pollen can cause sneezing attacks. If you still want to have a climbing plant in your garden, but without the risk of allergies, choose the sweet pea which announces the arrival of spring thanks to its sweet scent.
