What other plants to go with Bird of Paradise in California?

I am currently planting new sod and plants in my backyard. I want the Bird of Paradise to be in each corner and would like to have complimentary plants next to them to have them be the focal points of the garden. I was thinking of the New Zealand Flax but I am not sure what would look nice and work well next to the Bird of Paradise Plants.

What other plants to go with Bird of Paradise in California?
If you want to add to the tropical look in your garden, you might consider planting a plumeria (frangipani) tree. They have big tropical green leaves and produce beautiful fragrant flowers, and can easily be grown from cuttings, inexpensively.



Once established they are fairly drought-tolerant, and like the Bird of Paradise, they love lots of sunshine.



Yahoo has a great group in which they discuss how to grow plumeria, and everyone is very friendly and helpful in giving information. Here's the link : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ALOHA_PLUM...



If you join, just tell them Mimi sent you :))
Reply:Maybe some cycads or other palms, Cannas would be nice but might put on too much of a show for you. Bananas are great the flax is a good idea, I would like to see a brugmansia, angels's trumpet there, but it too might steal the show from the bird of paradise.Lantana in a pot or hibiscus. A couple of italian cupress would be interesting. Have a bit of fun with it.
Reply:Definitely go with tropical plants. I wouldn't use anything too showy, since the Bird(s) of Paradise is the focal point, but a hibiscus or red ginger might also be nice. The New Zealand Flax looks like a good bet, but be careful to stick with a tropical theme to complement the Bird of Paradise.