Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Look for a white, dusty substance on the leaves.
- Observe if the curling happens only during the hottest part of the day.
- Check for signs of insect pests on the curled leaves.
Likely causes
Powdery mildew
PossibleHow to tell: You will see a white, dusty film on the leaves that causes them to curl or twist. This usually happens during humid, warm weather.
What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant by thinning out crowded branches. You can spray the leaves with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 gallon of water.
Heat stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. They usually flatten out again once the temperature drops in the evening.
What to do: Provide extra water during extreme heat waves. If the plant is in full sun, consider providing some afternoon shade with a temporary screen.
Find out what's wrong with your red osier 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
When to worry
Curling due to heat is normal and temporary. If the leaves stay curled, turn brown, or show signs of fungus, you should take action.
Stopping it coming back
Provide good air circulation and keep the plant well watered during hot spells to prevent stress.
Keep your red osier dogwood healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Is powdery mildew harmful?
- It is mostly an aesthetic issue, but heavy infections can weaken the plant. Treat it early to keep the foliage healthy.
- Should I prune the curled leaves?
- You can remove severely damaged or infected leaves to improve the look of the plant. Always use clean, sharp shears.
More problems with Red Osier Dogwood
- Why are there bugs on my Red Osier Dogwood?
- Why does my Red Osier Dogwood have spots on its leaves?
- Why is my Red Osier Dogwood growing so leggy?
- Why are my red osier dogwood leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my red osier dogwood leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my red osier dogwood drooping?
- Why is my Red Osier Dogwood dropping leaves?
- Why is my Red Osier Dogwood showing signs of root rot?
Back to the Red Osier Dogwood guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.