How can I divide a vertical water lily rhizome?
United Kingdom 
Hi
I have recently acquired a dwarf water lily of unknown variety for my first and brand new water garden. The rhizome is almost a foot high with at least six side shoots as well as the crown. Unfortunately, because of its height, the crown is only just underwater, so my question is will it be OK to cut off the top six inches and attempt to grow that as a cutting, maintaining the original plant in its intended position. I've searched the internet for info, but only find info on dividing horizointal rhizomes, not vertical ones.
Thanks
Mike
PS photo now added
PPS Maybe photo uploading sideways is trying to tell me something!
7 Jun, 2011
Answers
Thanks moongrower, photo now added.
Mike
8 Jun, 2011
Mike, where did you acquire that water lily from? Not a GC I trust!
8 Jun, 2011
Garden Centre?!!!! 99p on eBay! I should perhaps add that when I got it it was bursting out of a peculier double skin pot which I assume is some device to hold fertiliser, but I'm guessing. Whichever, Its a very good size and extremely healthy so I want to be sure I do the right thing.
8 Jun, 2011
I'm not sure you can... doesn't even look like a small water lily to me!
8 Jun, 2011
It looks like one of the tropical hybrids, to me, Shirehorseman. Be ready to move it into a greenhouse or conservatory in the winter.
11 Jun, 2011
Previous question
A dwarf water lily shouldn't have a foot high rizome. Can you take a photo and add it to your question Shirehorseman
7 Jun, 2011