I have some orientals in pots (first time). While they are hardy, I wonder if they can be left outside in their pots in winter. I did this with some spider lilies and they died. The bulbs turned to mush.
winter for orientals
If I were you Woodspirit, I wouldn't take the chance. Make sure the roots aren't pot-bound and just sink the pot into the ground. Or plant it and dig it up in the spring.
I am in a colder zone than you are but I always take my lilies in pots and sit them in the back of my unheated garage, throwing a cheap quilt from a thrift shop over them. I supposedly give them a couple of ounces of water every month, but last winter I forgot and cringed when I saw the dried out pots. I watered them in spring anyway and added some liquid fertilizer and much to my surprise...
So you have lots of workable options.
