Gladiator Crabapple

7 gallon pots available

Gladiator™ Crabapple (Malus ‘Durleo’) Care Guide

Overview:
Gladiator Crabapple is a compact upright tree prized for its dense shape, vibrant pink spring flowers, dark purple to bronze foliage, and glossy red fruit. It’s a disease-resistant ornamental ideal for yards with limited space, especially where vertical interest is desired

1. Planting & Growing Conditions

• Hardiness Zone: 2 through 8 — extremely cold-tolerant. 

• Mature Size: Approximately 20 feet tall, 10–14 feet wide in standard form. 

• Growth Habit: Narrow upright or oval form — suitable for tight spaces or under utility lines. 

• Light Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours daily) for best flowering and fruiting. 

• Soil Requirements:

  • Prefers well-drained soil, preferably loam or mildly acidic. 

  • Adapts to a variety of soils, but avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils. 

• Spacing: Leave at least 10–14 feet between trees to allow for mature spread. 

2. Watering & Establishment

• First Year: Keep the root zone consistently moist but not soggy — regular deep watering helps roots establish. 

• Once Established: Tolerates some drought, but performs best with supplemental watering during dry spells (e.g. less than 1" of rain). 

• Mulching: Apply 2–3 in of organic mulch around the base (keeping mulch away from the trunk) to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

3. Fertilizing

• Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) in early spring to support healthy growth. 

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which may encourage excessive vegetative growth and make the tree more vulnerable to disease. 

4. Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, while the tree is dormant. 

• How to Prune:

  • Remove dead, damaged, diseased or crossing branches to open the canopy and improve airflow.

  • Maintain the upright form by removing outward-angled shoots.

  • Avoid heavy pruning after June — late pruning can reduce next year’s blossoms. 

5. Flowers, Fruit & Seasonal Interest

• Bloom Time: Late spring (typically May–June). 

• Flower Color: Bright pink blossoms that densely cover branches. 

• Foliage:

  • Emerges dark purple—over summer turns to glossy bronze-purple and holds its color well. 

  • In fall, foliage deepens toward dark purple or red tones. 

• Fruit: Small reddish-purple crabapples (~⅜ inch) that mature in fall. These are primarily ornamental and attract wildlife. 

6. Pest & Disease Resistance / Considerations

• Gladiator is bred for excellent resistance to many common crabapple diseases: apple scab, fire blight, cedar-apple rust, and mildew. 

• Nevertheless, standard precautions apply:

  • Monitor for any signs of fire blight (wilting tips), scab (leaf spots), or rust.

  • Maintain good airflow and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.

  • Clean up fallen leaves and fruit in fall to limit disease inoculum.

7. Winter & Cold Protection

• Given its very cold hardiness, Gladiator generally doesn’t require special winter protection even in northern climates. 

• However, in regions with late-spring frosts or high rodent pressure, protect the lower trunk of young trees with wrap or cage.

8. Landscape Uses

Excellent for small yards or narrow spaces due to upright form
Good choice under utility lines or near buildings
Use as a specimen tree, focal point, or small street tree
Combines well with perennials and shrubs for layered seasonal interest

Photo from Jeffries Nurseries