Hi Rohima believe it or not they are the same thing! Some forms of cultivated primulas are commonly known as polyanthus (P. elatior hybrids) as opposite to primrose (P. vulgaris hybrids), hope this helps :-)

MG's right - about the only difference is that Polyanthus are a bit taller, their flowers being on a slightly longer stalk, than primrose.

I think that the general differnce is that polyanthus have several flower heads on a tall, thich stem above the leaves, whilst primroses just have one or two flowers on thinner stems closer to the leaf cushion - think wild primroses.

Thank you Moon grower, Bamboo and Bulbaholic. That was most usefull. As i want flowers, i will go for the polyanthus.Will have to write it down and take with me to the garden centre other wise i won't be able to remember which one i decided on. I would forget my head if it wasn't stuck on.

Me too - I just cal it a senior moment!

Get plenty of those Moongrower!! One thing in primrose favour Rohima, you can plant them in slightly shadier places.