Here are some of the means of preventing blade curling from taking place. Curly leaves are very disappointing to the gardeners, especially when they occur unexpectedly. Avoiding actual curling of hydrangea leaves is the best way to go about this whole situation. As stated earlier, hydrangea plants require moderate conditions for better growth and survival. These spots become larger lesions and can kill the leaves. They also curl to prevent more water loss to the atmosphere through transpiration. If an herbicide such as weed killer has been applied around the plant or on a lawn surrounding the plant this can cause what you’re seeing. Herbicide damage. This will go a long way in minimizing the curls. One of the most notable reactions of plants towards changes in their surroundings is curly leaves. They also have a beautiful appearance. According to their research, the curling of hydrangea leaves could be caused by one of two insects. Diseases of hydrangea are typically foliar, although root and flowers may also become infected by fungal or viral problems. Photo (cropped) by Elizabeth Bush, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org via via CC 3.0. If the roots fail to grow and develop effectively, absorption of moisture and mineral salts for uptake to the leaves for food production will not take place. In essence, overwatering usually causes hydrangea leaves to curl downwards. Cercospora Leaf Spot (also known as Cercospora hydrangea), is typically brown or purple colored spots at the base of the plant. In most cases, the leaves curl inwards. 3) Diseases. I bought my hydrangea last year in a supermarket, I kept it outside until winter then I brought it inside my garage for winter time. 4) Pests. Fungal Leaf Spots on Hydrangea Leaves. 7 April in Problem solving. my hydrangea has this problem. When there is an insufficient amount of water provided for the hydrangea plant, the leaves curl upwards. This then enables the plant to survive water deprivation for a bit longer. There is no cure for a virus, but as we say, this is the least likely cause. Sale. They also curl to prevent more water loss to the atmosphere through transpiration. Use our primer of hydrangea problems to identify and treat what’s going on in your yard. Appropriate insecticides should be sprayed on the plant leaves to control insects that cause them to curl. The hydrangea leaftier larva (caterpillar) binds two or as many as four leaves together with strands of silk into a cup form and then feeds on the flower bud within. Maintain an appropriate temperature to ensure minerals such as phosphorus are not affected in terms of uptake. The primary outcome of such changes is leaf curling in different variations as inward, downward, and upward. In most cases, the plant is able to recover with proper care. Langport-Jane Posts: 12. Growing hydrangea plants can be challenging, especially when it comes to helping it deal with the effects of environmental changes. The main symptom is curly leaves. Fungal Leaf Spots on Hydrangea Leaves. Here are the three different curling variations of hydrangea plant leaves. Some of the most common diseases to watch out for are funguseslike Armillaria root rot, which will destroy roots and prevent water from reaching the leaves and blooms. 1. Usually with a virus you’ll also see yellowing of foliage not just the curling. 3. Excellent performance of hydrangea plants is guaranteed if the above preventive measures are followed. If needed, protectant fungicides can be applied prior to infection. Knowing about its causes is excellent as it becomes easy to control and prevent. Diseases such as leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rot cause hydrangea plant’s leaves to curl. Lots of diseases that affect hydrangeas will harm the leaves. Leaf spots caused by a variety of fungi can occur on hydrangea. Virus – least likely but possible. How do I get rid of leaf curl on hydrangea or prevent the leaf curling pest on Annabelle hydrangeas? The leaves curling inwards is mostly caused by sucking insects such as lace bugs and aphids. This damages the cells of the leaves, distorting them in shape. 2. In case one observes such symptoms on their hydrangea plants, here are the ways to stop it. This disease also deprives the plant of nutrients. The hydrangea leaftier, “Olethreutes ferriferana, is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae.” Wikipedia One of the nicest things about growing hydrangeas is that they’re relatively trouble-free. My name is Alex K. Worley. However, they should still be taken seriously. Typically, leaves of hydrangea have a healthy proper structure. In case of downward curling of leaves, apply phosphorus-rich supplements to enhance water absorption. The majority of the diseases which harm hydrangeas will not actually kill the hydrangea but can affect its health and appearance. Most common cause is a sucking insect such as aphids or lacebug feeding under the leaves when the foliage is young. Cercospora leaf spot is a destructive leaf disease of hydrangea in the landscape and in nurseries. Home » Outdoor Gardens » Hydrangea Leaves Curling – Causes and Fixes. This damages the cells early in the life of the leaf so that as the leaves open they are distorted. Hydrangea scale is a sap-sucking insect that develops on the underside of leaves on Hydrangea and some other plants. The sensitivity of some hydrangea varieties is very high, even to the slightest environmental changes. Typically, a healthy plant has rich, green, healthy foliage. The Cause of Hydrangea Leaf Curl – The Leaftier. When such types or get exposed to a bit of cold, for instance, they might react by curling their leaves. It is a requirement for photosynthesis. I am a web geek, but you won’t believe how much I love gardening and connecting with nature. But now the leaves are curling. Beckie’s reply: There is a good discussion of the pest you describe on the Toronto Master Gardeners website (torontomastergardeners.ca). The attack of hydrangea plants by pests is another common cause of leaf curling. In particular, there are root rot, leaf spots, and powdery mildew. Therefore, damaged roots cannot absorb and transport more water to the upper parts of the plant.