Identifying a Bonsai

[SeedlingMeg]

Hi all,
Last year I received some great advice on a Chinese Elm Bonsai on this forum and I’m forever grateful for the help! I’ve been learning more about Bonsais and have fallen in love!

Recently I’ve been gifted another Bonsai (I think from a generic garden centre) and can’t seem to place the species of bonsai. The tag just said “bonsai mix” which isn’t helpful at all.
I have had the bonsai for a week but Im currently trying to figure out any specific care requirements it may need.

My current suspicion is that it’s some kind of Fig. If this is true, I currently have my new Bonsai outside but would probably have to move it inside due to the cold nights we have in the UK at the moment.

Below I have attached some pictures of my Bonsai and would love it if anyone with more Bonsai experience could help me identify it so I can help it flourish!

 

[leatherback]

It is a ligustrum sinense, or privet

 

[SeedlingMeg]

It is a ligustrum sinense, or privet

Ah makes sense! Thank you!

 

[Shibui]

Ficus sp. have ALTERNATE leaf pattern, a distinctive sheath covering the developing terminal bud and latex sap. I agree that this tree looks far more like privet. Nearly as hardy as ficus and far more cold tolerant so it should be fine outside all year where ficus need winter protection anywhere cooler than sub tropics..

 

[AJL]

Yes Ligustrum- probably imported from China a few weeks ago and kept in a UK nursery quarantine greenhouse to acclimatise , so it will need protection from frosts till May.
Where did you get it -Im surprised it didnt have a name label?!

 

[SeedlingMeg]

Yes Ligustrum- probably imported from China a few weeks ago and kept in a UK nursery quarantine greenhouse to acclimatise , so it will need protection from frosts till May.
Where did you get it -Im surprised it didnt have a name label?!

Thanks that’s a great help! My step-mom who brought it said she picked it up at her local garden centre- it came with a tag but just one that explained a basic level of care and a generic “bonsai” label haha. Thanks for helping me out with this one!
(I must get better at differentiating my Bonsai species soon!)