Is curling always a bad sign?

Temporary curling on very hot afternoons is a normal defense mechanism. Persistent curling is a sign of stress.

Should I prune the curled leaves?

No, leave them alone. The tree needs those leaves to produce energy, and they may recover once the moisture levels stabilize.

Why are my Kousa dogwood leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil is dry to the touch.
Observe if the leaves flatten at night.
Look for brown edges on the curled leaves.

Likely causes

Heat Stress
Possible
How to tell: Leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to reduce surface area. They usually flatten out again once the temperature drops in the evening.
What to do: Provide deep watering during dry periods to keep the soil moist. If the tree is in full afternoon sun, consider adding a layer of mulch to cool the roots.
Drought
Possible
How to tell: The leaves stay curled even in the morning and may feel dry or brittle. The edges might also turn brown.
What to do: Water the tree deeply once a week during dry spells. Apply 2 to 3 inches of wood chip mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kousa dogwood

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.

When to worry

Worry if the leaves remain curled all day and night. This indicates the tree is struggling to hydrate and needs immediate attention.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the tree well hydrated during the summer and protect the root zone with mulch.

Kousa dogwood: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kousa dogwood 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

Is curling always a bad sign?: Temporary curling on very hot afternoons is a normal defense mechanism. Persistent curling is a sign of stress.
Should I prune the curled leaves?: No, leave them alone. The tree needs those leaves to produce energy, and they may recover once the moisture levels stabilize.

Why are my Kousa dogwood leaves curling?