Question
I live in vermont and have this magnolia bush about 3 yrs. old flowers this year they have brown spots on them before they open can you tell me what it is,and how to get rid of it thank-you .we are infested this year with japanese beetles just you know.

Answer
Hi Chet,
Thanx for your question.  The problem you describe sounds more to me like a botrytis or mold infection.  This is hard to get rid of sometimes because the spores are airborne.  If you water the shrub, do not water overhead, water at the base of the shrub.  Pick off as many of the ruined flowers as possible and dispose of them where they will not be in contact with any of your other plants.  Preferably burn and do not put in the compost bin.  Sometimes late cold can affect flowers like this but I'm assuming you're having the problem now.  It is possible too that the Japanese beetles are munching on the flowers but they should also be eating the leaves of the tree.  Have you noticed damaged leaves too?  Take a sample in to your local horticultural agent at your County Extension.  You can find your local office at the link below.  I hope this helps.
Tom

http://www.uvm.edu/extension/