Monarda has come a long way in the last decade or so. New varieties show are great improvement in mildew resistance. Monarda 'Bergamo' is an annual bee balm that blooms in a lovely combination of lilac and rosey-purple blossoms against pale green leaves. 'Bergamo' is an early bloomer, starting just 8 to 10 weeks after the seeds germinate, and will repeat bloom if deadheaded. It's a compact plant, growing about 18-24" tall and 12-18" wide, so it's a good size for the border but also fine in a pot. Since it's an annual, it won't spread by runners the way the perennial varieties do. However it will set seed.
Seed of Monarda 'Bergamo' is currently available from Park Seed. It can be direct seeded in the spring or started indoors and planted out after frost. (Annual)