Gladiator Crabapple
Full bloomMalus × adstringens 'Durleo'
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced
Last updated
Gladiator™ is the cold-hardiest purple-foliaged crabapple in commerce (USDA Zone 2) — extreme cold tolerance is largely surplus to need in maritime PNW (Zone 8b) but the cultivar's narrow oval form (20 × 10 ft), bronze-purple foliage, and bright pink flowers make it a competitive choice for vertical purple-foliage plantings regardless of the cold-hardiness factor. For Cascade-foothill sites above 1,500 ft elevation or sites with documented Zone 6-7 cold events, Gladiator's hardiness becomes relevant. Disease resistance rated Excellent across all four major diseases per JFS supports reliable performance. Cross-reference for narrow vertical purple- foliage selection: 'Raspberry Spear®' (20 × 8 ft, narrower; deeper purple foliage; magenta pink flowers) is the JFS Spear™ family alternative in this category. Cross-reference with 'Raspberry Spear®' (similar narrow vertical purple form, slightly narrower at 8 ft spread).
— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist
Plant Profile
Size & Form
Site Requirements
Ornamental Interest
Bloom Infection Window
Active Conidial Spread
First Flight
Diseases: Regionally Documented (3)
Diseases: Other Associations (1)
Pests: Regionally Documented (3)
Phenological Calendar
As of June 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2435.5 to 2672.8 GDD₃₂. Gladiator Crabapple has passed full bloom (1305 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,673 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,665 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,610 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,570 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,535 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,533 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,436 | Full bloom | — | — |
View full calendar (2 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 | 990 | Late April (Puget Sound) |
| ● Full bloom BBCH 65 NOW | 1305 | Late April to early May (Puget Sound) |
Source: HortGuide regional interpretation based on Morton Arboretum bloom timing About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Jun 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 19, 2026, then climate normals.