Do you know what size of container the area can accommodate? Most hardy plants have a difficult time surviving the winter in a container because their roots are not insulated by being in the ground. Containers also dry out faster than in-ground plants, though that's easier to manage then cold exposure. Larger containers take longer to change temperature and dry out, plus give roots more space; once roots run out of growing room, that can stunt a plant's size and cause it to decline over time (depending on the plant).

Is there a way to include a support, such as a trellis, if you opt to grow a vine instead of a self-supporting upright shrub? Not all vines do well on a trellis (versus some other styles of support), and the type of trellis (thick versus thin, for instance) also dictates what kind of vine will be a good fit. Most vines also get pretty large (stems at least 10-20 feet long/high), so a limited space will shrink the list of potential candidates. Although some vines can cling to a wall, they may risk damaging the surface if or when they get removed in the future.

You might be able to use an upright perennial instead of a shrub, so it would die back to the ground in winter. (If an ornamental grass is grown, its dried foliage and seed heads can be decorative in winter.)

Once we have an idea of the proposed container size (height, width, and depth), we're happy to share some plant recommendations. How tall did you want the plants to grow up (or in front of) the wall? Would you prefer that the plants grown be hardy (coming back every year), or are you open to using annuals (or tropicals) that would need to be replaced each spring?

Miri