 Dr. Kevin Vaughn of
Massachusetts
originated this cultivar and
Mildred Seaver of Massachusetts registered it in 1982. It is a hybrid of H. 'Frances Williams' × H. 'Beatrice'. This large size
(23 inches high by 56 inches wide) hosta is medium to dark
green with a creamy white marginal
variegation. The foliage is broadly oblong to ovate, moderately
corrugated and deeply lobed at the base. It bears funnel shaped
medium lavender flowers which are borne on 32 inch scapes from late
June into July followed by purple seed pods.
 According to
The Hostapedia by
Mark Zilis (2009), this cultivar was "...described as a sibling to 'Breeder's
Choice', 'Mildred Seaver' and 'William Lachman'... also
marketed as 'Grand
Master'..."
From the
Field Guide to Hostas by Mark Zilis (2014), "An often overlooked ornamental feature is the purplish
color that the numerous seed pods develop in later
summer...Recently,
The
American Hosta Society
Cultivar Origination Commission determined that 'Christmas Tree' and 'Grand
Master' are the same plant."
The New Encyclopedia of Hostas by
Diana
Grenfell (2009) states: "Grow as a specimen
plant in a large container...In
full bloom, the plant outline is pyramidal, having a fancied
resemblance to a Christmas tree."
A Photo Essay article by Steve Chamberlain in
The
Hostta Journal (2010 Vol. 41 No. 1) makes comments about
H. 'Brave Amherst', "William and Eleanor Lachman registered this cross of
'Christmas Tree' and 'Reversed' in 1993.. In maturity, it makes a large clump
with impressive blue leaves that show a golden yellow margin of variable width."
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