Should I cut off the curled leaves?

Wait a few days after watering to see if they recover. If they remain brown and crispy, you can trim them off for aesthetic reasons.

Does this plant need shade?

It prefers full sun, but if your area has extreme heat, a little afternoon shade can prevent the leaves from curling.

Cutleaf coneflower: curling leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is dry.
Check if the leaves look better in the morning.
Look for signs of wilting alongside the curling.

Likely causes

Heat Stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. They usually look better in the evening when the temperature drops.
What to do: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to keep the roots cool. Ensure the soil stays moist by watering deeply every 3 to 7 days.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves will feel dry and brittle while curling at the edges. The soil will be dry several inches down.
What to do: Give the plant a deep soak until water runs out of the bottom or saturates the surrounding soil. Maintain a consistent schedule so the soil never dries out completely.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your cutleaf coneflower

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

If the leaves stay curled even after you water the plant and the sun goes down, it may be a sign of root damage. Normal curling during a heatwave is just the plant protecting itself.

Stopping it coming back

Mulch the soil well and keep up with your watering schedule during the heat of summer. This keeps the plant hydrated and happy.

Cutleaf coneflower: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cutleaf coneflower 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

Should I cut off the curled leaves?: Wait a few days after watering to see if they recover. If they remain brown and crispy, you can trim them off for aesthetic reasons.
Does this plant need shade?: It prefers full sun, but if your area has extreme heat, a little afternoon shade can prevent the leaves from curling.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Rudbeckia laciniata leaves curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your cutleaf coneflower?