In August, color becomes the conversation. For florists around the world, this is the moment when blooms don’t just complement a space—they set the tone entirely. Helix Australia understands the power of color in floral storytelling, and through their trusted South African partner Arnelia, they are bringing to market three waxflower varieties that speak in rich, confident tones. This month’s spotlight is on waxflowers Sarah’s Delight, Kerryn, and Leilani—a trio that proves when color takes the lead, the result is unforgettable.
Arnelia’s Commitment to Excellence in Waxflower Cultivation
Situated near the town of Hopefield in South Africa, Arnelia has earned its place as one of the most respected names in Chamelaucium (Geraldton waxflower) production. From its early days as a modest six-hectare operation to today’s thriving 60-hectare farm, Arnelia has mastered the craft of growing waxflowers that meet the exacting demands of international florists.
Since forming a partnership with Helix Australia in 2008, the grower has specialized in exclusive Helix varieties, bringing to life the breeder’s vision of bold, high-performing flowers. The result is a dependable supply chain that ensures florists from Europe to North America can access these varieties at their seasonal best.
The August Color Story: Three Varieties, Three Distinct Voices
This month’s offerings from Arnelia tell a complete color story, each variety adding its personality to the palette. Sarah’s Delight delivers a vivid pink that feels soft yet confident—an early-to-mid-season megalopetalum hybrid with lush blooms and strong, upright stems. It lends itself beautifully to romantic pastel bouquets or wedding designs where freshness and tone are paramount.
Kerryn shifts the mood with a deeper, more saturated pink that commands attention. As a mid-to-late-season variety, it thrives in statement arrangements, adding richness and visual depth. Then there is Leilani, whose pink-lavender tones bring a gentle, contemporary elegance. Its softer shade makes it a versatile choice for muted palettes, tonal layering, or modern minimalist arrangements.
Designing with a Layered Approach to Color and Texture
The beauty of this August selection lies in the way these varieties can work together or stand apart. A designer seeking harmony might blend Sarah’s Delight, Kerryn, and Leilani in a single arrangement to create a graduated effect that moves the eye from light to dark. Those favoring contrast could use Kerryn against white hydrangeas or pale roses for a sharp, high-impact look, while Leilani’s understated tones pair effortlessly with silvery eucalyptus or olive foliage for a muted sophistication.
Each variety responds well to both traditional hand-tied bouquets and contemporary, foam-free installations, with a vase life that ensures designs stay fresh for event work and retail.
From South Africa to the Netherlands and Beyond
With Arnelia harvesting these varieties at peak quality this August, their reach extends far beyond South Africa’s borders. Through Helix Australia’s established distribution network, florists across Europe can source Sarah’s Delight, Kerryn, and Leilani with ease. In the Netherlands, these waxflowers are available through Alkemade International B.V., a respected wholesale supplier known for providing top-quality flowers to designers and retailers.
This link ensures that European florists can secure these August favorites while they are in their prime, ready to bring vibrant color stories to life.
Why August is the Moment to Let Color Lead
Seasonality is one of the most important factors in floral design, and August represents the peak window for these three waxflower varieties. Arnelia’s current harvest ensures optimal quality, with stems at their strongest and blooms at full expression. For florists, sourcing now means working with flowers at their seasonal best—both in appearance and longevity. Given the diversity of pink tones in this month’s offering, it’s a rare opportunity to match precise color needs without compromise.
This month is all about letting color speak louder than any other element in your arrangement. Whether you’re crafting an opulent wedding installation, a refined corporate centerpiece, or a simple retail bouquet, Sarah’s Delight, Kerryn, and Leilani offer a spectrum of pinks that can convey romance, confidence, and elegance in equal measure. With Arnelia’s expertise ensuring every stem arrives in top condition, and with wholesalers like Alkemade making them accessible in Europe, August becomes the perfect canvas for florists to create work that resonates through color alone.
.jpg?1755061933520 "Craig Musson poses for a picture next to blooming waxflowers")
When the right variety meets the right moment, design possibilities expand. And this August, with Helix Australia and Arnelia, the possibilities are as vibrant as the waxflowers themselves.
All pictures courtesy of Helix Australia and Arnelia. Header image by @fleurametz_zizers.
