No offense, but I can't believe there weren't better names for this cultivar than 'red rocket'.....

If you have acidic soil you'll get a nice rich red fall color.

I had one but it croaked. Think the combination of dry, alkaline soil and last year's winter did it in.

I agree could have picked a more eloquent name! I planted 3 of these along with an october glory all 4-5 feet tall grown in smart pots purchased from Sooner plant farm. I had the soil tested at multiple spots. Near the ridge above a ravine where I planted these trees the soil test showed ph 6.2 phosphorus 15 potassium 212 organic matter 2%. ag extension office suggested adding phosphorus 75 lbs per acre. Anyone agree or have other suggestions? I was pleased with soil test as my soil definitely has some clay component and I was expecting alkaline ph. The only sample that was alkaline was a few feet next to foundation of house where it is heavy clay ph 7.7 there.