With its unique scent, the plant, also known as Schöterich, not only enchants people in spring. Gold lacquer is a real insect magnet and a valuable garden plant with a long flowering period. The member of the cruciferous family is a so-called biennial plant, which means that it flowers in the second year and then usually dies. In good conditions, however , the flowering plant sows and enjoys for decadeschanging places with colorful flowers and a fine fragrance. In this article we will show you how to care for your gold paint.

Botanical name: Erysimum cheiri (formerly Cheiranthus cheiri)
Other names: gold lacquer, Schöterich, yellow violet, stem violet, carnation violet, yellow lacquer, wallflower
Use: rock garden, borders, balcony plant, bee plant, aromatic plant, cut flower, for bowls
Origin: Southeast Europe
Flowering period: April to June
Blossom: yellow, orange, brown, pink, violet, two-tone
Special features: The biennial species is very undemanding and robust. Bumblebees and bees in particular love the nectar-rich plant. In the first year, gold lacquer only forms a rosette of leaves, in the second year the genus flowers and then dies.

In which location does the gold lacquer feel most comfortable?

Erysimum belong to the cruciferous family, all of which are very frugal. So the gold paint care will require little effort. The group grows on calcareous soil that has nutrients but does not necessarily have to be very humic. Well-drained soil is important for lush growth. Waterlogging will not be tolerated. A wind-protected place in the sun is ideal, preferably near seating or paths, so that you can also enjoy the scent of the species.

Tip: If you leave the gold lacquer after flowering, it will self-seed under optimal conditions.

What is the best way to plant my gold lacquer in the garden?

Goldlack is either planted out as a young plant in autumn, or in rough locations after winter from March. Or you can buy gold lacquer as flowering specimens and plant them after winter. It is important that you loosen the soil thoroughly and remove weeds before planting. Make sure that heavy soil is loosened up with sand, because standing water is not tolerated. Fantastic combinations result in mixed borders with gold lacquer and daffodils, tulips, ranunculus or forget-me-nots. In the rock garden the upright and bushy perennial can also make a picturesque picture in a single position.

What is the best way to care for gold lacquer?

The right gold paint care requires little effort. When planting in autumn, it is important that the soil is always evenly moist until spring. In rough locations, protection from brushwood is recommended, as the biennial species retains the foliage and should therefore be protected from frost. Snow doesn’t hurt, provided the ground isn’t covered with it for too long and isn’t too wet. After the winter you can feed the flowers with Kölle’s Beste perennial fertilizer. This organic-mineral special fertilizer promotes growth and flowering. APruning is not necessary because Erysimum naturally branches and grows harmoniously. After flowering, you can either cut off the flower stalks and leave the plant in place, let the seeds mature, or remove the biennial plants entirely. According to the rhythm of the biennial species, the flower usually dies after flowering.

What is the best way to pour gold paint?

Immediately after planting gold paint, it is important that you water as needed until enough new roots have formed. The amount of water depends on precipitation, temperature, wind and location. Once gold lacquer has established itself at the site, it is very rarely necessary to water. Gold lacquer in balcony boxes or bowls require more attention and should be watered regularly. However, avoid waterlogging with gold paint.

How do I properly care for my gold lacquer in the pot?

As a seasonal plant, gold paint is ideal for balcony boxes, bowls or in large pots. Either you plant self -grown young plants in the fall or you buy budding specimens in the spring. Comparable to forget-me-nots or ranunculus, the flowering time is several weeks. When planting in a container, make sure that the container has a water drainage hole. Provide a drainage layer on the bottom and use structurally stable potting soil. With our tips for caring for the gold paint, the shad will delight you with its colourful, fragrant flowers for weeks on the balcony, terrace or at the entrance to the house.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about gold lacquer

How can gold lacquer be multiplied?

The common method of propagating gold lacquer is sowing. It is best to sow the gold lacquer seeds in June in a bowl with potting soil. After 2 to 3 weeks you can transplant the seedlings into pots. In late summer, the young plants can be planted directly in the bed or in containers. Another possibility is the propagation of gold lacquer by cuttings. For this purpose, shoot tips are placed in potting soil and, with a little luck, fine roots will form within 3 to 4 weeks.

Is lacquered gold evergreen?

Gold lacquer retains the leaf in winter and should therefore never dry out completely.

Is gold lacquer hardy?

Hardiness varies by variety. However, many wallflower species are hardy.

Is gold lacquer poisonous?

The whole plant, but especially the seeds, contain a glycoside that is toxic. Consuming it can cause vomiting or cardiac arrhythmias.

Can gold lacquer also become several years old?

Some of the plants lignify and can remain in the garden for several years.