Lilium morphology, physiology, anatomy and postharvest flower quality in response to plant growth regulators

•Exogenous application of five plant growth regulators (stimulant, stem retardant) were assessed on Lilium.•BA and GA3 at 50 mg l−1 significantly improve lily flower postharvest flower component including vase life.•Ancymidol at rate of 50 l−1 was effective in reducing stem elongation by 23 % to 41 % without adverse side effects on leaf and flower postharvest quality.•Ethephon successfully reduced stem length (28 %-53 %) and resulted in 67 % to 100 % flower abortion across lily cultivars.