Because by the time that plant reaches your garden, it's already travelled half way round the world, and depending where you live, back again!

Phlox 'Goldmine' begins life in Ecuador, where it is propagated from a stock of mother plants. René uses this nursery in Ecuador to propagate and grow a large amount of his plants for cutflower production, so it makes sense to draw upon the experience these people have with handling the variety to also produce garden plants.

Thousands of newly propagated Phlox 'Goldmine', ready to make the long journey to The Netherlands.  

However, as good as the constant equatorial conditions are for cut flower production, P. 'Goldmine' needs to have the longer summer daylight hours offered at higher altitudes to encourage better rooting and develop stronger garden plants.    

The newly propagated plants are therefore sent to The Netherlands, where at René has the opportunity to keep a watchful eye on them. They are planted out in fields at two sites. One of these is in  Noordwijkerhout, just a few miles from the coast, while the other is in Assen, in the area of the famous auto racing circuit.

Phlox 'Goldmine' growing in the production field in Noordwijk, Holland. If you purchased your plant in 2004, it may well be one of those in this picture!