Annette, you can grow many wonderful things in SoCA!
Hibiscus, Gardenias, Bougainvillea, Birds of Paradise both Mexican and tropical, palms, bananas, ficus the list goes on and on.
Mikey has tons of cottage garden plants growing successfully, many that you wouldn't think would. You need to hook up with him if you want English/cottage perennials. There are some that are tall and spiky like Foxgloves. Don't despair.