'Black Eyed Stella' is rated excellent for growth and performance in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 - 10. "The average daylily tested generally shows balanced, peak performance across only two zones," said Angelo Cercione, executive director of the All-America Daylily Selection Council. "An All-America candidate must master five. 'Black Eyed Stella' recorded excellent performance across zones 5 - 10 -- six zones."

AADSC test results also concluded that 'Black Eyed Stella' is extremely heat-tolerant.

"This is hardly evergreen that winters well in Missouri and Minnesota, but more importantly it does well as far south as Naples, Florida," said hybridizer Jack Roberson. "The foliage maintains its lush, dark-green color throughout the summer months, even in southern Florida where it received some of its highest scores."

"In addition," he said, " 'Black Eyed Stella' has a better bloom color sunfastness rating that its parent."

The horticulture industry usually requests daylilies that give long-term color, that increase or clump rapidly and that are low growing.

'Black Eyed Stella' blooms at only 14 to 22 inches in height, increases in fans 500 percent to 1,200 percent and spans 100 - 270 days of bloom. "When you consider that the average daylily blooms 21 days and increases only 200 percent per year, it's easy to see why 'Black Eyed Stella' is quickly gaining interest in the industry," said Cerchione. 'Black Eyed Stella' also earned praise for its adaptability to containerized production.

It is small-rooted, which makes the containerizing process easier and more cost-effective.

Roberson said the smaller root system also allows for better fan increase in a one-gallon container than does a large-rooted cultivar.

"its low growth habit and rapid increase assists the nurseryman in his efforts to have an optimum product quickly," said Roberson. " 'Black Eyed Stella' begins blooming early, so its eye-catching beauty also works as a self-advertiser of the maximum bloom season period."

Roberson set out with a specific goal in mind -- to develop a beautiful daylily that had an extended bloom period, that would grow and perform successfully in a wide range of zones, and that would offer a color breakthrough. Results of even the most rigid testing indicate he achieved his goal.

"There was no question in my mind when initially evaluating this cultivar that it was a winner and worth of plant patent protection," Roberson said.