Will my curled leaves flatten out again?

If the curling is caused by heat stress, they will likely flatten out once temperatures drop. If the damage is from aphids, the existing leaves may remain distorted even after the pests are removed.

Should I prune off the curled leaves?

You can remove them if they look unsightly, but it is not strictly necessary unless they are heavily infested with aphids. Focus on treating the cause rather than just removing the foliage.

Why are my Rosa arvensis leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for small insects.
Check if the soil is dry more than an inch deep.
Observe if the leaves uncurl once the sun goes down.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or pink insects on the undersides of leaves or near flower buds. The leaves may look puckered or distorted as the aphids suck the sap.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. If they perk back up at night, the plant is just reacting to high temperatures.
What to do: Provide afternoon shade if your rose is in a very hot spot. Ensure you water deeply every 5 to 10 days when the top inch of soil is dry to keep the roots cool.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your field rose

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 stay curled even at night or if you see significant yellowing and stunted growth. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during a heatwave as a protective response.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your rose healthy with consistent watering and monitor for pests early in the spring before they multiply.

Field rose: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your field rose 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

Will my curled leaves flatten out again?: If the curling is caused by heat stress, they will likely flatten out once temperatures drop. If the damage is from aphids, the existing leaves may remain distorted even after the pests are removed.
Should I prune off the curled leaves?: You can remove them if they look unsightly, but it is not strictly necessary unless they are heavily infested with aphids. Focus on treating the cause rather than just removing the foliage.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are my Rosa arvensis leaves curling?