Read on below to see which plants are the ones you should avoid and keep out of your garden.
Tip: Opt for female plants. Also, look for sterile or hypoallergenic hybrids.
9 Plants To Avoid If Allergies Are A Problem
1. Love-Lies-Bleeding
(Amaranthus caudatus)Love-lies-bleeding is known for its drooping red flower clusters that grace gardens in fall and also stun in flower arrangements. The pollen from those flowers, though, can be a major irritant for hay fever sufferers. (Amaranthus beans can also cause allergy problems.)
(Amaranthus caudatus)Love-lies-bleeding is known for its drooping red flower clusters that grace gardens in fall and also stun in flower arrangements. The pollen from those flowers, though, can be a major irritant for hay fever sufferers. (Amaranthus beans can also cause allergy problems.)
Photo by Maja Dumat
Alternative: If you?re looking for a replacement flower, consider the chenille plant (Acalypha hispida). Its long, bright crimson flower clusters are equally dramatic. It?s hardy to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 1.1 degrees Celsius (USDA zones 10 to 12; find your zone), but in these climates, it can reach 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide when planted in the ground; it will be smaller in a container. A chenille plant wants full sun or partial shade and regular water.
In colder climates, grow chenille plant in a container and bring it in during the winter ? it?s a favorite houseplant. It?s also a good choice for a greenhouse.
Alternative: If you?re looking for a replacement flower, consider the chenille plant (Acalypha hispida). Its long, bright crimson flower clusters are equally dramatic. It?s hardy to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 1.1 degrees Celsius (USDA zones 10 to 12; find your zone), but in these climates, it can reach 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide when planted in the ground; it will be smaller in a container. A chenille plant wants full sun or partial shade and regular water.
In colder climates, grow chenille plant in a container and bring it in during the winter ? it?s a favorite houseplant. It?s also a good choice for a greenhouse.
2. Castor Bean
(Ricinus communis)The fast-growing castor bean has become a popular choice as a statement plant or an anchor in a tropical-inspired garden. It grows big, it grows quickly, and it can be treated as an annual.
Unfortunately, all parts of the plant are toxic. The pollen can cause an allergic reaction, as can contact with the sap. It?s also very invasive, another reason to keep it out of your garden.
(Ricinus communis)The fast-growing castor bean has become a popular choice as a statement plant or an anchor in a tropical-inspired garden. It grows big, it grows quickly, and it can be treated as an annual.
Unfortunately, all parts of the plant are toxic. The pollen can cause an allergic reaction, as can contact with the sap. It?s also very invasive, another reason to keep it out of your garden.
Alternative: If you want something that stands out, with the added advantage of plenty of flowers, think about growing hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) instead. It can reach heights of 8 to 15 feet and spreads 5 to 8 feet wide. You can also find dwarf varieties now. Flowers may last only a day, but it?s a prolific bloomer, and its flowers attract birds and butterflies.
It?s hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 11); in colder climates, treat it as an annual or bring it indoors in winter. Provide full sun and regular water throughout the growing season. Pinch out the old wood in spring. Keep an eye out for aphids.
It?s hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 11); in colder climates, treat it as an annual or bring it indoors in winter. Provide full sun and regular water throughout the growing season. Pinch out the old wood in spring. Keep an eye out for aphids.
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Feature photo: Maria Hickey & Associates Landscapes
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Louise Geldenhuys