In my opinion, the DOF is too shallow here. It's so nice and sharp at the end of the bud, only to trail off very suddenly 2/3 of the way down. Would have liked a little mor of the bud in focus. Other than that, very nice compostion and color.
I've seen a lot of plants and trees... Yes, they meet the challenge, but where is the creativity... It's the image that stands out from the rest that wins me over.