Fragrance with Care: Knowing Flower Scents and Allergies Before You Send a Bouquet

Sending flowers is one of the most timeless gestures of affection. Whether it's a birthday, an anniversary, or just a thoughtful surprise, flowers speak volumes without saying a word. But behind the beauty of petals and the charm of colors lies something we often overlook — the scent.

Fragrance is a powerful part of the floral experience. Some bouquets arrive with a soft whisper of lilac or the creamy sweetness of gardenia, while others, like lilies and hyacinths, announce themselves with heady, room-filling aromas. For many, this is part of the magic. But for others — especially those with allergies, asthma, or scent sensitivities — that same fragrance can turn a heartfelt gift into an unintended discomfort.

Allergic reactions to flowers are more common than we think. Some people are sensitive to the pollen certain blooms carry, while others react to the oils that give flowers their scent. Symptoms might include sneezing, headaches, itchy eyes, or worse — respiratory distress. And unfortunately, it's not just the visibly pollen-heavy blooms that pose a risk. Even the most delicate-scented posy can cause a reaction in someone highly sensitive.
That's why it's important to pause and consider the health of the person you're sending flowers to. Do they have known allergies? Are they sensitive to strong scents? If you're not sure, it's always safe to opt for low-fragrance or hypoallergenic options like tulips, orchids, hydrangeas, or snapdragons — all of which bring beauty without the bouquet-induced sniffles.
There's thoughtfulness in the gesture, but even greater care in understanding who you're sending that gesture to. A personalized bouquet shouldn't just reflect your feelings; it should also reflect awareness, compassion, and sensitivity. After all, flowers are meant to bring joy — not tissues.
So next time you're about to send blooms, remember: a little knowledge about scents and sensitivities can help your flowers bloom with even more meaning.

Sending flowers is one of the most timeless gestures of affection. Whether it's a birthday, an anniversary, or just a thoughtful surprise, flowers speak volumes without saying a word. But behind the beauty of petals and the charm of colors lies something we often overlook —

Allergic reactions to flowers are more common than we think. Some people are sensitive to the pollen certain blooms carry, while others react to the oils that give flowers their scent. Symptoms might include sneezing, headaches, itchy eyes, or worse — respiratory distress. And unfortunately, it's not just the visibly pollen-heavy blooms that pose a risk. Even the most delicate-scented posy can cause a reaction in someone highly sensitive.

That's why it's important to pause and consider the health of the person you're sending flowers to. Do they have known allergies? Are they sensitive to strong scents? If you're not sure, it's always safe to opt for low-fragrance or hypoallergenic options like tulips, orchids, hydrangeas, or snapdragons — all of which bring beauty without the bouquet-induced sniffles.
There's thoughtfulness in the gesture, but even greater care in understanding who you're sending that gesture to. A personalized bouquet shouldn't just reflect your feelings; it should also reflect awareness, compassion, and sensitivity. After all, flowers are meant to bring joy — not tissues.
So next time you're about to send blooms, remember: a little knowledge about scents and sensitivities can help your flowers bloom with even more meaning.