Polyanthus belongs to the family of ‘Primulaceae’ and the genus ‘Primula’ (primrose). A large number of primula species, around 500, are found to exist. The plant is a perennial one and primarily blossoms in spring. The colours include pink, yellow, red, white or purple.

The herbaceous plants which don’t grow very high up are common in the temperate Northern Hemisphere, the tropical mountains of Ethiopia, New Guinea, Indonesia as well as in the temperate parts of South America. The plants thrive best in filtered sunlight. Few of the species sustain well in the cold climate of the Alps.

Polyanthus is highly regarded as a popular flower and widely used for decorative purpose due to their showy appearance. In China, a genus of bamboo is known by the name of polyanthus. The plant is also a source of food for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species like Large Yellow Underwing, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Setaceous Hebrew Character and Silver-ground Carpet.