That's an interesting bloom with an interesting history. Thanks for posting all the comparisons.
I am really not sure which I like best? Either the pale 2011 or current (because of the fullness). It sure seems to be a prolific bloomer!
Was this a compot; or one BIG plant? if its really one polant, maybe the variability is due to different conditions at the time of spiking. If they're different plant of the same cross that variability is normal and the diff between years is just maturity. They're all OK to me.
Longest lasting flowers! Bloomed for 4 plus months now, and these flowers are still going strong, although the greenish color on the petals and dorsals were gone for sometime, still I don't see sign of wilting off.
The time of the year is part of it for sure but also the age of the flower when photograph is a bigger factor. The last two PICs of the 2012 blooming shows nice full flowers(early opening) the the last PIC of the faded to white and cupping backward petals show a four month old flower(s). A lot like a baby; cute when they're born and homely at 4 months of age.