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Large flowered tickseed · Coreopsis grandiflora

Why are my Coreopsis leaves curling?

It is less common for this plant to have curling leaves, but it usually points to pest activity or environmental stress. Check the undersides of the leaves for small insects first.

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curling leaves on a plant
Photo: Freshclover, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for tiny insects.
  2. Check the soil moisture to rule out drought stress.
  3. Look for sticky residue on the leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid Infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small green or black insects on the new growth and the leaves look distorted or curled.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. For heavier infestations, apply insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Heat Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl inward to conserve moisture during intense sun exposure.

    What to do: Ensure the plant is getting enough water during hot spells. Provide a bit of afternoon shade if the heat is extreme.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your large flowered tickseed

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Worry if the curling is accompanied by yellowing or stunted growth. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly in response to very high temperatures.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and inspect it weekly for early signs of pests.

Large flowered tickseed: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your large flowered tickseed and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Are aphids harmful to my Coreopsis?
Yes, they suck sap and can weaken the plant, leading to poor flowering. It is best to treat them as soon as you see them.
Do I need to use chemicals to stop curling?
Usually, a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap is enough to handle aphids without harsh chemicals.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Large flowered tickseed

Back to the Large flowered tickseed guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.