By Jand
Northamptonshire,
United Kingdom 
I have a Magnolia Stellata that looks as though it is covered with Lichen. this appeared after last cold winter. Is this lichen or is a disease that I can treat. It is only flowering at the top of the bush and has buds on the bottom that come to nothing
2 Apr, 2011
Answers
I visited a friend today and the same thing has happened to her Stellata. She said that it bloomed beautifully last year, but there are just a few sorry blooms on it this year. It looks just like lichen, and we wondered if it was a protective mechanism from the severe winter. I have seen quite a few in full bloom which are looking resplendent and unaffected. Is it a young plant? Hers was quite a small one.
Bamboo, this is a dry, grey green material and would not rub off, and very extensive.
2 Apr, 2011
No, won't rub off, needs to be washed off as I described if its offensive to the eye. Still sounds like lichen...
3 Apr, 2011
If its lichen and you don't like the look of it, you can wash it off gently with horticultural soap and water, but where is it growing, in a pot or the ground?
2 Apr, 2011