Will curled leaves straighten out?

If the curling is caused by heat, they will often straighten out overnight. If the damage is from aphids, the affected leaf will likely stay distorted.

Can I just prune off the curled leaves?

Yes, you can remove them if they look unsightly. Just make sure to check the rest of the plant for the source of the problem first.

Southern dewberry: curling leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for tiny aphids.
Touch the soil to see if it feels dry or hot.
Observe if the leaves recover after the sun goes down.

Likely causes

Aphids
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, soft bodied insects clustering on the new growth or the undersides of leaves. The leaves may look distorted or sticky from the honeydew they leave behind.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them 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 when the plant loses moisture faster than it can replace it. The leaves usually look normal again by the next morning.
What to do: Increase your watering frequency during heat waves to keep the soil consistently moist. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to keep the roots cool.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your southern dewberry

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. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during peak afternoon heat in midsummer.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your dewberry well watered and monitor for pests early in the spring before populations explode.

Southern dewberry: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your southern dewberry 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will curled leaves straighten out?: If the curling is caused by heat, they will often straighten out overnight. If the damage is from aphids, the affected leaf will likely stay distorted.
Can I just prune off the curled leaves?: Yes, you can remove them if they look unsightly. Just make sure to check the rest of the plant for the source of the problem first.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are my Southern dewberry leaves curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your southern dewberry?