Hi Stuart,
I like the color and tones of this image and find the background pleasing. I also like the little aphids and ant on the stem one can find if you look closely. Another option is give more room on top and bottom but this works for me as is.
The colors, the contrast between the colors, background and dof are terrific. I like the composition, which is different from the usual, but works beautifully. The flower bud behind has me wondering if it would look better if you had pinned it out of the way, but perhaps that is just me being neurotic.
The colours are a little OTT for my personal taste but I agree very striking. I am thinking that the bud is not really contributing to the image - it'sthe old addage I often ask myself - "what is it a picture of?" I think it is the flower in which case I would suggest it is slightly distracting.