Japanese Magnolia

The picture of this Japanese Magnolia blossom was too beautiful to leave out of my blog. Usually, the blooms fill the tree in early spring before any leafing has occurred but this winter was so mild that the leaves never completely dropped.

With all its delicate beautiful this plant is not without peril. Sooty mold is its most common disease and mine has it. The stems of the infected part of the tree are covered with a black power. I continue to prune it off but I just haven't been very successful. Any suggestions anyone?

Thanks and until tomorrow,
Tweetles or should I say bloomers?