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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Rachel Bull

Best cut flowers to grow for hayfever sufferers – and which ones to avoid

Verbena with purple flowers in bloom.

Gardening with hayfever is not without its challenges. At its worst, the relentless sneezing, itchy throat and watering eyes caused by pollen allergies is enough to make even the most dedicated gardener want to retreat indoors with a box of tissues and an antihistamine tablet.

And I should know. I have suffered with pollen allergies since I was a child, and in my years working as a floral designer and flower grower became very familiar with the flowers and plants that would often trigger a sneezing fit, and those which didn't affect me at all. Ornamental grasses are the prime culprit for me, so despite loving their airy movement and feathery form, I tend to avoid planting these where possible. Of course, there are many over-the-counter remedies available from pharmacies to help ease the symptoms of hayfever, but it can also be useful to pay attention to what you are growing in your backyard, especially if you intend to create a cut flower garden as part of your flower bed ideas. 

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