Hi Lachlan,
I am not going to critique the overall concept of this image, simply because it is an idea that you are a pursuing and you need to keep exploring for yourself.
The one comment I will make though, is that the lighting of a subject is often one of the most critical aspects of photography.
You mention that you have used a Sunpak flash unit set at 45-degrees. What this implies to me, is that while some of the light was "bounced" around the subject, there was also some direct light from the flash getting to the subject – you can spot this by the hard shadows near the petals.
Given the opportunity, I would have another go at this photo, but this time I would try using available light.
The composition for now is rather ambiguous and so I would put the clock upright near a window then wait for early morning or late afternoon sunlight to shine through. I would then place the rose in front of the clock (with a gap of a few inches) and let the sunlight capture the rose from behind.
Now here is the trick; you also want some light from the front. One option might be to use a silver reflector or some white material. You can even use your Sunpak flash, but do not let the sunlight directly shine onto the clock or the rose. If possible, try not to let the light look too even; add some lights and darks.
Have another go and see how you get on; remember, the best photographers are good because they did not try an image once, but dozens and even hundreds of times.
Cheers,
Anthony