After a recent photo caption about a plant vendor in Laurinburg raised eye brows, the bloom is certainly off the rose for attempts at witticism.

Several readers found the caption kicker: “Plant closing” more callous than clever.

Our intention was to show that the plant seller had finally closed the deal with a buyer who appeared overwhelmed by the variety and selection at the Plaza Road plant stand.

But for some readers, the term “plant closing” was a little too cavalier given the extent of recent local industry layoffs and Scotland County’s unemployment rate.

The point is well taken considering that the next day’s newspaper included a story on the Omicore salt plant in Maxton closing its doors at the end of July and an attempt by QualPak in Laurinburg to try to remain open.

The caption also caused problems for the good folks at Dewitts Farm who run the Laurinburg location.

They say more than a few people rushed out to the market thinking incorrectly that the plant business was closing and that deals and discounts could be had.

In truth, the business plans to remain open in Laurinburg for another month then return later in the year.

In our defense, a quick read of the entire caption would have alerted readers to why the photo included the headline.

But since we are in the business of communicating information, we will try to be more clear in the future — not less.

Shakespeare wrote that “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

But in this instance, we should have called a rose a rose. Failure to do so appears to have caused quite a stink.