What can withstand the following conditions?

Western exposure, on a concrete patio against a dark (terracotta) stucco wall, smallish (12" at the opening) terracotta pots. Gets very hot afternoon sun.

Zone 8a, but I can bring the pots inside in winter.

Watering will only be done by hand, so if I miss a day or two it'll still have to be able to survive.

The look I'm after is minimalist, something simple, one or two plants only. Something of sculptural interest welcome. Something exotic / tropical / southwestern / Mediterranean or similar welcome. Could be something edible. Something not too sharp, as the pots (4 identical) will be positioned at eye height for children. Something that looks good from early spring till late fall.

Thanks! I'm at loss for ideas. I used to have a purple draecena and a tralining purple potato vine. Looked great, especially 4 in a row like that, but couldn't handle the heat.