polyanthus

American  

[pol-ee-an-thuhs] / ˌpɒl iˈæn θəs /

noun

plural

polyanthuses

1. a hybrid primrose, Primula polyantha.

2. Also called polyanthus narcissus.  a narcissus, Narcissus tazetta, having small white or yellow flowers.

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polyanthus British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈænθəs /

noun

1. any of several hybrid garden primroses, esp Primula polyantha, which has brightly coloured flowers

2. a Eurasian amaryllidaceous plant, Narcissus tazetta, having clusters of small yellow or white fragrant flowers

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Etymology

Origin of polyanthus

1620–30; < New Latin < Greek polýanthos having many flowers. See poly-, -anthous

Example Sentences

Fill the beds with polyanthus, wallflower, forget-me-not and other early flowers.

From Small Gardens and How to Make the Most of Them by Biddle, Violet Purton

The polyanthus section, which includes the Paper-white narcissus and sacred lily or Chinese joss-flower, are not hardy except with unusually good protection, and are, therefore, most suitable for growing indoors.

From Manual of Gardening (Second Edition) by Bailey, L. H. (Liberty Hyde)

As to my private cabinet, let it be colored light blue, with a border of ranunculus and polyanthus.

From Josephine Makers of History by Abbott, John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot)

He professed to disbelieve in the time-honored prescription, "Plant a primrose upside down, and it will come up a polyanthus," and refused to help me to make the experiment.

From Last Words A Final Collection of Stories by Murphy, Hermann Dudley

My L. has seen a polyanthus blow in December?—Some friendly wall has sheltered it from the biting wind—no planetary influence shall reach us, but that which presides and cherishes the sweetest flowers.

From Henry Esmond; The English Humourists; The Four Georges by Saintsbury, George