Botanical profile

Gladiator Bonus-Malus

Latin name
Gladiator Bonus-Malus
Common name
Ornamental Apple 'Gladiator'
Type
Fruit tree
Family
Rosaceae

Malus 'Gladiator' is an ornamental crabapple tree with an upright habit and deep purple foliage, prized for its graceful vertical profile, ideal for confined spaces, narrow hedges, or aligned plantings. Its abundant and delicate pale pink to deep pink spring blossoms contrast beautifully with its persistent bronzy-purple foliage during the season, which turns coppery red in autumn. It produces small, decorative red fruits that persist well into winter, providing food for local wildlife. Very hardy, disease-resistant, and low-maintenance, 'Gladiator' adapts to well-drained soils and prefers full sun exposure. Its naturally narrow form, combined with a long season of visual interest, makes it a structural and decorative choice for urban or residential landscapes in Quebec.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 3
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Moderate watering
Fertilization
Slow-release fertilizer 14-7-14 or 4-2-8. Fertilize monthly or as directed on the bag. Add Myke at planting.
Soil type
Slightly acidic to neutral, well drained
Minimum temperature
'-40°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Spring
Flower color
Pink
Fruiting
Small, bright, persistent, and decorative red berries
Foliage color
Purple
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Columnar
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
5 to 6 m (16 to 20 feet)
Width
3 m (10 feet)
Growth rate
average
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Fruit tree type
Crabapple tree
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.