• Seven candidate reference genes were evaluated for qRT-PCR normalization in Lycoris aurea under seven exogenous hormone treatments.
• Expression stability was assessed using geNorm, BestKeeper, NormFinder, and RefFinder algorithms, providing a comprehensive ranking.
• The study fills a gap in reference gene validation for Lycoris species under hormone stress conditions, crucial for accurate gene expression analysis.
• Identified stable reference genes will facilitate molecular studies on bulb growth and development, aiding in optimizing artificial reproduction.