I think it is time I add a new lily! I haven't added any (other than martagons for my shady areas) for at least 15 years. My "old" ones are blooming so beautifully this year, I REALLY need to add something new, and I would like suggestions. It could be either trumpet or Asiatic... I have never been able to grow orientals. It should be newer than 15 years (I might already have it if it is older), and should be hardy in Minnesota. My soil is rich, good draining loam (some of the best in the state for growing corn!)
I want something that can be a focal point... really make a statement, able to compete with some dramatic daylilies!

Lankon!

Lankon did not burn for me in full sun (100F) so I recommend it too, Black Spider (asiatic) did not fry on me either and I have some to spare, it is ivory and dark purple, 3-4 ft.



also Mussasi, (rich red-purple) Blueberry Crush (purplish and pink) Flashpoint (red and white) are all tall, vigorous OT's that have done very well in hot sun for me.

Of course if you do not have hell on earth summers you don't have to worry about cooking the buds before they bloom.

Kentucky and Robina are both very showy and grow 4-5' tall by second year.

I'd vote for Evening Glow or Rising Moon.

I asked for a recommendation for ONE really special lily to add to my garden this fall. I finally decided on 'Lankon', based on Joe's recommendation:
"Lankon !" ...I thought that said a lot! Actually, I hated it in some pictures and loved it in others. But I now have it on order.
However, circumstances have changed, see photo below (not a lily in sight).


This is a HUGE branch that broke off my giant maple tree a few days ago. If it had fallen to the south, it would have destroyed my house! But it fell to the east and did no damage except for downing the electric line to the transformer pole. In the picture I have just finished cleaning up on the south side of the branch and it occurred to me what a great background for a row of tall lilies and peonies! Peonies for May/June bloom and great foliage, lilies for drama in July/Aug.
The linear space is 40' from the rock on the left side to the rake on the right plus another 8 ft. out of the picture. I can visualize exactly how beautiful it will be!
(You have to click on the photo to see the whole picture).
So... I ended up ordering 10 lilies in addition to 'Lankon'! 6 orients and 4 Asiatics. I think I will need 9 peonies and I already have 4 new ones on order plus some clumps of mature self-seeded ones that I will be dividing this fall. I will take pictures for you all to see in about two years!

Serendipity at its finest! Keep us updated on your results.

That should be orienpets not orients.

That area is going to be stunning in a few short years!

What a great plan. I can imagine how beautiful it will be.

And just think of all the beneficial bugs and fungi that come with decaying wood!

Rick, I avoid thinking of bugs and fungi, beneficial or not! I do worry about falling bark, which usually happens in about 2 years. This is not the first fallen tree or large branch that has become part of my "landscape". Off topic, but here is another picture of a partially fallen branch in my hosta glade:


Unfortunately, after a few years, my beautiful "frame" fell all the way to the ground; and I have to look over the top to see 'Empress Wu' which was not under the branch but about 3 ft. beyond it.