Can anyone explain what the word "approach" is referring to?
When a registered cultivar displays its "approach" to perfection, it is referred to as being "true to cultivar" or "typical of cultivar."
This is from a powerpoint for exhibition judging III.

You ask great questions, Larry! I'm going to hazard a guess that "approach" might be referring to the behavior of a cultivar when it is exhibiting its typical characteristics. When Curly Mel curls. When Quiller quills. When a pattern is present in a patterned cultivar, and sculpting in a sculpted one. Less dynamic synonyms might be "true nature" or "unique characteristics typical of cultivar".

Good question and good answer! I've been thinking about it, but couldn't come up with an explanation.

Correct! in this context, the word "approach" is referring to the way a registered cultivar presents itself or demonstrates its characteristics, particularly in relation to achieving perfection or meeting the expected standards for that cultivar.

When a registered cultivar displays its "approach" to perfection, it means that it demonstrates characteristics, traits, or features that align with the expected standards or traits associated with that specific cultivar. This demonstration of characteristics is what makes it "true to cultivar" or "typical of cultivar."

In the context of exhibition judging, this term implies that judges are evaluating how closely a cultivated plant resembles the ideal characteristics expected for its registered cultivar. The "approach to perfection" suggests that the cultivar is striving to meet the standards set for it in terms of appearance, growth habits, flower form, color, size, or any other relevant criteria.

Thanks for the answers, I was completely thrown by the use of the word "approach" used in that manner. Now I do see that it does sort of mean to get nearer to something, the traits of the plant described in the registration.