Dutch irises are a bulbous iris so they will naturally go dormant after bloom. They flower once a year, so for appearances sake you could remove the withered blooms. The leaves stay green for a while to regain nourishment for the next year, but then return to dormancy. As long as the leaves are green they should be left on.

I believe I've heard that they should stay dry after the leaves die back, but I'm not certain on that point. I've tried literaly hundreds of dutch iris bulbs and they always die for me, usually without blooming. You might have better luck and hopefully someone that has will offer their advice.

Brock

Are you familiar with daffodils? Dutch Iris are like those in their growth cycle.

Remove the dead flowers so the plant doesn't watse energy producing a seed pod. Keep it watered regularly until the foliage begins to turn yellow (no fertilizer now).

Keep fairly dry during summer and remove foliage when it has yellowed. Move the pot to a shaded area during hot summer months --- the temperature build-up in plastic pots is terrific.

In Oct. or Nov. move the pot back to the sun. Do not water - allow winter rains to do that. Time release fertilizer may be sprinkled on top. When the first sprout of green appears it is safe to water regularly. With a diluted *Low-nitrogen* fertilizer if not using time-release.

In your zone 9, if you're gopher-free, they may be planted in the ground. Mine bloom and increase better there.