• Various palm trees are among the subtropical plants in Southern California.Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
  
  The subtropical regions of the world feature warm summers and winters that are on the cool-to-mild side. The southern states of the U.S., including the southern part of California, is just such an area. The majority of the subtropical plants in Southern California require a full and hot sun along with a rich soil.
  
  

Star Jasmine

• Trachelospermum jasminoides, which is more commonly known as star jasmine, is an evergreen vine that can climb up to 40 feet on tree trunks. It is used as an attractive cover on trellis and other support structures. It also can be used as a shrub, with the proper amount of pruning and maintenance. It produces light-green new growth during the spring, followed by white pinwheel flowers. Star jasmine grows best in full sun or partial shade. When used as a ground cover, it grows to approximately 3 feet tall. Also known as Confederate jasmine, star jasmine can adapt to different soils but thrives best in soil that drains well and is rich in nutrients.
  
  

Princess Flower

• The Princess flower, formally known as Tibouchina urvilleana, is native to Brazil but does well in Southern California. It has colorful flowers and thrives in subtropical and tropical areas. Its flowers are large and purple in color. It usually grows as a shrub in Southern California but also can grow into a small tree. Also known as a glory bush, the Princess flower grows from 10 to 15 feet, although it can easily be pruned and cut back. It prefers a climate with plenty of hot and full sun. The flowers are 3 to 5 inches wide and will bloom throughout the year. The Princess flower also prefers soil rich in nutrients. It often is pruned to form a round shape.
  
  

Golden Cane Palm

• The Golden Cane palm, or Dypsis lutescens, does well in Southern California and in other subtropical areas. It is a hardy palm tree that produces clump-growing stems that have a bamboo appearance. Its foliage remains a yellowish-green throughout the year. The fruit it produces is yellow to purple and oval in shape. Relatively pest free, golden cane palm thrives in full sun and soil that is slightly damp. It will tolerate partial shade, but full sun brings out its full color. It can grow up to 25 feet tall and produces up to 12 stems when it's mature.