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New Zealand hebe · Veronica speciosa

Why are my New Zealand hebe leaves curling?

It is less common for a New Zealand hebe to have curling leaves, so this usually points to environmental stress or a pest issue. Check your soil moisture and inspect the undersides of the leaves first.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

curling leaves on a plant
Photo: Freshclover, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for tiny insects.
  2. Touch the soil to see if it is bone dry.
  3. Check if the plant is sitting in direct, scorching afternoon sun.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustering on the new growth. They cause the leaves to twist and curl as they feed on the sap.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Underwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves feel dry and brittle, and the soil has pulled away from the edges of the pot. The plant will look generally wilted.

    What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure you are watering every 7 to 14 days when the top inch of soil is dry.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your new zealand hebe

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 curling is accompanied by yellowing or stunted growth. A few curled leaves on an older plant are usually just part of the natural aging process.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your hebe healthy by providing consistent moisture and checking for pests every time you water.

New Zealand hebe: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your new zealand hebe 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 leaves uncurl once I fix the problem?
Usually, the affected leaves will remain curled. Focus on the new growth to see if it emerges flat and healthy.
Can too much sun cause curling?
Yes, if the plant is in intense, direct sun, the leaves may curl to protect themselves from moisture loss. Moving it to a spot with partial shade can help.

Guides to these causes

More problems with New Zealand hebe

Back to the New Zealand hebe 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.