WOW gorgeous pot.
I would go with something structural. (New Zealand Flax) Phormium 'Maori Queen, or any of the flax with color. I see a lot of New Zealand Flax in pots around San Francisco. I do not know what bulbs grow in your area. But I love Hyacinth because of the fragrance.
My other suggestion is going off in another direction. Sunny Knockout Rose, in the front with a Yucca ‘Color Guard’. The rose blooms all seasons and the fragrance is great. This combo you would not have to move it at all because it would be totally hardy to the temps in your area.
I would get the smaller rose size and you would be able to leave it in the pot longer without having to pot in a larger size pot.
http://www.brighterblooms.com/...
http://www.gardensplendor.com/...
