They do look dried up to me. The happiest monarda I've ever grown was planted at the edge of a pond. Quoting from the Missouri Botanical Garden monarda page:
"Best grown in rich, medium to wet, moisture-retentive soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers rich, humusy soils in full sun, although some afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer climates. Soil should not be allowed to dry out."
http://www.missouribotanicalga...
