Gladiator Crabapple
Malus 'Gladiator'
Gladiator Crabapple (Malus 'Gladiator') is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15 to 25 ft tall and 6 to 9 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Columnar form; purple leaf.
low to medium water15 to 25 ft tall and 6 to 9 ft wideXeric / water-wiseToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Alexander Dubynin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: no rights reserved
- Photo 3: (c) Alexander Dubynin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4 to 8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 15 to 25 ft tall and 6 to 9 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~9 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid spring, late spring
- Bloom color
- pink
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Deer often browse this
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Fireblight (bacterial; worse in warm, wet springs)
- Cedar-apple rust
- Codling moth on fruiting types
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7 to 10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1 to 2×/month October to March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Gladiator Crabapple good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Gladiator Crabapple is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Gladiator Crabapple get?
- It matures to about 15 to 25 ft tall and 6 to 9 ft wide.
- How much room does Gladiator Crabapple need?
- Give Gladiator Crabapple about 9 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Gladiator Crabapple grow into?
- Gladiator Crabapple typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Gladiator Crabapple hardy on the Front Range?
- Gladiator Crabapple is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Gladiator Crabapple need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Gladiator Crabapple grow?
- Gladiator Crabapple is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Gladiator Crabapple live?
- Gladiator Crabapple has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Gladiator Crabapple safe for dogs?
- No. Gladiator Crabapple is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Gladiator Crabapple deer-resistant?
- No. Deer often browse Gladiator Crabapple, so plan on protecting it where deer roam.
- Is Gladiator Crabapple prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Gladiator Crabapple can be affected by fireblight (bacterial; worse in warm and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
