My "torch lilly" decided to bloom before we left for Europe! We had torch lillie at the Beech Ct house, and they were so pretty. So, when drawing up the plans for our backyard landscping, I included 2 torch lillies. The HOA approved 2 torch lillies. I went to Echter's and purchased 2 torch lillies. Last year, when they bloomed, instead of a bunch of blooms, there was a single tall stalk with a single flower. Totally not a lilly, but something even better!
It turns out there is such a thing as a soft-leaf torch yucca. I first fell in love with yucca in the 80's when there was a giant one near my bus stop on Long Island. Everything I have learned about them since has only made me love them more. I had planted some at our first house, and now I have more! yucca grow very very long tap roots and are thus known for their ability to help stabilize hills - up to 30 feet deep! These guys are definitely permanent residents now. I just remind them, "if the HOA asks, you're a lilly".
Front Garden:
Roses and more in the back yard:
Last updated 28Sep2025