Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is dry.
- Check if the curling happens only during the hottest part of the day.
- Look for signs of pests that might be causing the leaves to distort.
Likely causes
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves will feel dry, brittle, and curl inward to conserve moisture. The soil will feel bone dry to the touch.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water drains from the bottom. Maintain a schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days to keep the soil consistently moist.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves curl during the hottest part of the day when the plant is losing water faster than it can absorb it. They often recover by evening.
What to do: Move the plant to a location with more partial shade during the afternoon. Ensure it is not sitting in a spot with intense, drying drafts.
Find out what's wrong with your upright hedge parsley
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.
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When to worry
Worry if the leaves stay curled even after you water the plant or when the temperature drops. If the leaves are turning brown and crispy, the damage may be permanent.
Stopping it coming back
Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and protect the roots from extreme heat.
Upright hedge parsley: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your upright hedge parsley 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
- 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 snip them off to keep the plant tidy.
- Does this plant flower?
- Yes, it produces small white flowers in clusters. It needs bright, indirect light and consistent moisture to bloom successfully.
Guides to these causes
More problems with upright hedge parsley
- Why does my upright hedge parsley have white spots?
- Why is my upright hedge parsley drooping?
- Why is my upright hedge parsley growing so leggy?
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- Why are my Torilis japonica leaves turning yellow?
- Why are the tips of my Torilis japonica leaves turning brown?
- Why are there bugs on my Torilis japonica?
Back to the upright hedge parsley 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.

