Will my viburnum leaves uncurl?

If the cause is heat stress, they will often uncurl on their own once the temperature drops. If aphids caused the damage, the existing leaves may stay curled, but new growth should appear healthy once the pests are removed.

Can I just cut off the curled leaves?

You can remove a few severely damaged leaves for aesthetic reasons. However, do not prune more than 20 percent of the plant at once, as the leaves are still helping the plant produce energy.

Why are my viburnum leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for tiny insects.
Check if the leaves recover their shape during the cool morning hours.
Feel the top inch of soil to see if the plant needs a deep watering.

Likely causes

Aphids
Most likely
How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the undersides of leaves or near new growth. The leaves often become sticky from the honeydew they secrete.
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 to conserve moisture. If the leaves look normal again in the cool of the morning, heat is the culprit.
What to do: Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to keep roots cool. Ensure you water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to help the plant handle the heat.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your viburnum

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 curling is accompanied by yellowing or if the leaves remain curled even after the temperature drops. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during extreme midday heat as a natural defense.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your viburnum well watered during dry spells and monitor for early signs of aphids in the spring. A healthy, hydrated plant is much better at resisting both pests and heat stress.

Viburnum: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your viburnum 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 my viburnum leaves uncurl?: If the cause is heat stress, they will often uncurl on their own once the temperature drops. If aphids caused the damage, the existing leaves may stay curled, but new growth should appear healthy once the pests are removed.
Can I just cut off the curled leaves?: You can remove a few severely damaged leaves for aesthetic reasons. However, do not prune more than 20 percent of the plant at once, as the leaves are still helping the plant produce energy.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are my viburnum leaves curling?