diff --git a/src/generic/srchctlg.cpp b/src/generic/srchctlg.cpp
index 6b902b4485..a3b63dbfe9 100644
--- a/src/generic/srchctlg.cpp
+++ b/src/generic/srchctlg.cpp
@@ -306,8 +306,8 @@ bool wxSearchCtrl::Create(wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
                                         wxEVT_SEARCH,
                                         m_searchBitmap);
 
-    SetBackgroundColour( m_text->GetBackgroundColour() );
     m_text->SetBackgroundColour(wxColour());
+    SetBackgroundColour( m_text->GetBackgroundColour() );
 
     RecalcBitmaps();