Tree identification & advice

Hello all,

I've been lurking the forum for a little while now and this is my first post. Im new to Bonsai, but have always been curious about it. I just recently got bought a tree for christmas.

The tree is Ligustrum, but I dont know what kind. It is a store bought tree, so im hoping it doesnt die on me. I've read a lot so im trying my best to keep it healthy. It is kept inside, away from radiators and gets a lot of light.
I'd also like some advice on what I can do asap in order to make sure it is healthy. I'm not sure, but I would like to repot is as a lot of roots seem to be exposed and im also unsure about the soil quality, but at this time of year I'm wondering if it is ok to repot?

Also if anyone could give me any ideas on styling it, that would be great. I do have some ideas in my head, but need to wait till I can afford wire and such.

Here is a gallery of the tree, also a few pictures of the base and roots. https://s79.photobucket.com/albums/j158/newrez/Bonsai/

Thank you

Hopefully Kevin Bailey will come in on this. I have one and can show a photo, this looks like a Chinese import. They grow fast and sprout from everywhere. I think Kevin would be better able to advise because he is also in Wales.

I think Will B is the UK Privet expert. This is NOT L. sinensis, the one I'm familiar with.

Hi Harry, privets do well in our climate with a period of dormancy and now is the right time of year. Keep this tree as cool as you can maybe in a garage or under some protection outdoors enough so that the pot does not get frozen. Reduce watering and let the soil go quite dry for a few weeks. Repot the tree into a free draining soil mix in March and try not to damage too much root this time. A slightly larger pot would be advantageous for a couple of years and in a good soil mix the tree will adapt to our local climate and seasons and should grow very well for you. Joining a local society is the best way to learn but good advice can be found here also. Feel free to ask further questions. We can discuss feeding, pruning etc in spring. The leaves on your tree may wither, turn yellow or brown and then drop off. Do not worry as this is perfectly normal in winter and new buds will appear where each leaf was if the tree is treated properly.
Regards,
Andy.

Thanks for the replies!

Ive moved the tree to a cool, light room in the house and have done as you said Andy, in regards to the watering. It seems very healthy at the moment, with strong leaves and a very nice green colour. I have noticed a few dropping off.

Ill spend my time looking for a suitable pot for it, in preperation to repot in march.

One question I have is to do with rading material. Im looking for a book to get, but there are so many, i dont know which are worthwhile. Any advice on a book containing information in regards to the History, of bonsai, growing from seed, training existing plants, styles, wiring, watering...basically everything, in detail. heh. I know there is a lot of information on the internet, but I much prefer sitting down to a good book.

Thanks!

Harry,

From the pictures. I would guess its a Sageretia thea or (Chinese Sweet Plum). The leaves look a bit rounder than that of a Ligustrum. Just a thought and nice tree!!

Abe

Eastern Bonsai wrote:Harry,

From the pictures. I would guess its a Sageretia thea or (Chinese Sweet Plum). The leaves look a bit rounder than that of a Ligustrum. Just a thought and nice tree!!

Abe

No, it is Chinese Privet.