There is disagreement among experts too. My sources consider M. bradburiana synonymous with M. russeliana. FWIW, I can find one somewhat confusing description from a paper published in 2002 (Prather et al.): "The sister group relationship between M. russeliana and the remainder of subgenus Monarda is noteworthy because M. russeliana is the only species with a revolute lower corolla lip that is constricted near its point of attachment to the tube (Scora 1967a), and it is one of the few species of the subgenus that have maculate corollas (Fig. 3). In particular, the relatively large, conspicuous spots on the lower lip are unique to this species, but M. bradburiana and M. clinopodia sometimes also have maculate lower corolla lips. In the latter two species, the spots are smaller and more irregular in size and distribution. Monarda clinopodia was sister to the remaining species of the subgenus (except M. russeliana)." According to the floral diagram in the paper, M. russeliana has a straight upper lip and a revolute (rolled backward) lower lip, while M. bradburiana has a arcuate (bent like a bow) upper lip and a straight lower lip. Both are depicted as having a spotted lower lip. So does the plant in your picture have a straight or revolute lower lip? Your guess is as good as mine. Perhaps when the Flora of North America publishes their section on the mint family we will have a better breakdown of the differences, assuming they find any.

A hybrid is a cross between two species and is correctly noted with an "X" in the name: Ilex x attenuata 'Savannah' is a cross between Ilex opaca and Ilex cassine, for example. A hybrid can be a cultivar - that is to say a "cultivated variety" - once a good form has been identified and named. In the case of Ilex x attenuata, several cultivars have been named from the many crosses and are in production. But you can also have a straight species cultivar which is represented by using the whole name: Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline'. In that case it is thought that the form is a natural sport of the species itself, not a hybrid cross between species. For example you might sow a lot of seed and one particularly beautiful, colorful or mildew resistant individual comes up and you select and name it. Either way, once the selection is made and named, vegetative propagation keeps the cultivar consistent for nursery production. At least that is my understanding!

I am also having problems with a fungus or mildew on my Monarda and Phlox. Not all of the plants, but a lot of them. A few other plants here and there have a stalk or tip that is wilting, or an outer stalk is collapsing. I have lost a couple plants and almost lost a few others. Yikes! This has never happened before so early in the season. It took me awhile to figure out it was a disease, some kind of fungus or wilt. It's not powdery mildew because it doesn't look powdery, and that usually comes later in the season. I think it's due to the very dry spring we had here. Dry conditions and drought weaken plants and make them more susceptible to these mildews, which is weird. I have taken to spraying with a product called Soap Shield by Gardens Alive, which is an organic copper fungicide that controls fungus and mildew. It seems to have stopped the progress of the disease but it has to be reapplied after a rain.

Bergamot (Monarda didyma)): Perennial to 1 metre tall and 40cm wide. Also known as Oswego Tea and Bee Balm. Oval leaves, smelling like mint and basil, with pointed tips on stems to 1 metre tall. Grows in large clumps and spreads on runners. Red flowers, which smell of oranges, emerge in shaggy clumps in summer. Pick leaves and flowers through the growing season, but if drying for medicinal purposes, the leaves should be harvested just before flowering or while the plant is in full bloom. Reject any leaves affected by mildew. Use an infusion of leaves for indigestion, headache, coughs, sore throat, nausea, and menstrual cramps. A steam inhalation of the leaves gives relief for bronchitis. Medicinal Actions: Expectorant, disinfectant, carminative, antiseptic, antifungal Usual Dosage: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon dried leaves. Steep for 15 minutes. Strain, and take 1-2 cups per day. Lemon Bergamot (Monarda citriodora):Tastes like a combination of lemon, pepper and thyme. Goes well in stuffings and sauces for various meats. Makes a lovely tea with rose geranium. Medicinal Uses: Infuse leaves in oil as a hair conditioner. Apply to pimples, inhale for colds, or drink a little for nausea, flatulence and insomnia. Warning: Contains Thymol. Large amounts may cause vomiting, diarrhoea and other symptoms.