Check these first
- Check if the soil is dry to the touch.
- Look closely at the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects.
- Observe if the curling happens only during the hottest part of the day.
Likely causes
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to reduce surface area. They usually flatten out again once the sun goes down.
What to do: Give the plant a deep watering if the soil is dry. If the heat is extreme, provide some light shade during the mid afternoon.
Aphid Infestation
PossibleHow to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustering on the flower stalks or the undersides of leaves. The leaves may look distorted or curled where the aphids are feeding.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. For a persistent problem, use an insecticidal soap once a week.
Find out what's wrong with your rough hawkbit
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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Worry if the leaves stay curled even when the soil is moist and the temperature is cool. This could indicate a deeper issue with the roots or a pest infestation.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant consistently watered during hot spells and inspect the flower stalks regularly for early signs of aphids.
Rough hawkbit: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rough hawkbit 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Do aphids hurt the plant?
- Yes, they suck the sap from the plant and can cause the leaves to curl and the flowers to look stunted. It is best to treat them as soon as you see them.
- Will my plant flower if the leaves are curled?
- If the curling is caused by aphids, the flowers might be affected. If it is just heat stress, the plant should bloom normally once it gets enough water.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Rough hawkbit
- Why are there bugs on my Rough hawkbit?
- Why is my Leontodon hispidus growing so tall and leggy?
- Why is my Rough hawkbit not flowering?
- Why is my Rough hawkbit drooping?
- Why are my Leontodon hispidus leaves turning yellow?
- Why are the tips of my Leontodon hispidus leaves turning brown?
- Why are there spots on my Leontodon hispidus leaves?
- Why is my Leontodon hispidus showing signs of root rot?
Back to the Rough hawkbit 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.

