I have never had an issue that extreme. I am wondering if a flat bladed shovel might work. I have used my T handle shovel to divide various plants that were in large pots. I would think that the T handle would help you stableize yourself while steping on the shovel to get started.

I am assuming that the lilly roots don't grab onto the liner. I was just removing an overgrown clump of sweet flag and found that it attaches like ivy. It was in my stream and I had to remove stuff around it and stand on the liner. Not anywhere as large a problem as yours, but surprisingly difficult.

Thanks chas,
You've given me an approach to think about - kinda like dividing hostas. Now I just have to decide what to put under the clump to protect the liner.
(Fortunately, the roots didn't grab or penetrate the liner.)
Gail

I didn't realize that you could get under the clump. If so I might sugest a small section of linoleum to wall rubberized liner, or a slightly flexable tile. Most of these shovels are not really very sharp. I was suggesting you just not press too forcefully.

also if the whole thing is loose, I would suggest that you could hook it with a rope or chain to pull the whole thing out with a come-a-long . That is a ratchet device like a pulley.

WOW! That is one BIG lily!!! How long have you had that lily that grew to such a monster?! I WISH I had your problem!lol! I bet you have a few pics you could share of some blooms? plz!?!

Hi
I have always found it far better to keep all aquatic plants in tubs . While it doesn't elimanate the problem it does slow it down. Just today I drained my above ground
where I keep a potted Blue Godddess. in a 24 square pot
Had 24 separate plants and so heavy I couldn't pick it up lol It was repotted just 3 years ago!!! Good luck with your project gary

Chas, I thought of a "come-a-long". Are they as easy to ratchet as I've heard?
Calamity, I think the lily has been in there for 5 or more years. I like the crowded look when the leaves stand upright. However, last year I noticed I could no longer see the blooms. (I lost my last pics in a computer crash.)
Gary, it was in a tub. The tub is now embedded in the clump; the rhizomes grew right through, up, over and around it.
Gail

I haven't used one for a long time, but they are very easy as long as you have something solid to hook onto at the other end like a tree or a deck or the house. They are not very expensive; or just borrow a neighbor's or borrow the neighbor.

What you describe is one reason to divide every year and also to choose varieties that don't grow that big....:)

Sooo what color is this beauty!? Have you got it out yet?

You can never have too many plants, can you? :)