Crossword Genius

Blooming disheartening final test (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

floral

'blooming' is the definition.
(with flowers)

'disheartening final test' is the wordplay.
'disheartening' suggests removing the centre.
'test' becomes 'oral' (oral is a type of examination).
'final' with its centre removed is 'fl'.
'fl'+'oral'='FLORAL'

(Other definitions for floral that I've seen before include "Decorated with flowers" , "Blooming" , "To do with flowers, perhaps an arrangement" , "Of flowers, like wreath" , "bouquet" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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