Ah, welcome to the crazy world of gardening, where plants often show themselves to be as illogical as people.

We've all got collections of stories like that. Last year I had two basil plants within a few inches of each other. One died with no signs of damage or infestation, the other flourished magnificently. Or this year, two Stargazer lilies planted side by side. One came up about two or three weeks later. For some unfathomable reason it decided to grow upward at quite an angle, meaning it took longer to find the surface. Last year, it grew straight.

There is undoubtedly a reason why they aren't doing as well. Possibly root damage when planting, just a few inferior plants, critters gnawing at the roots... you might even figure it out. If not, don't let it bother you. Ours is not to wonder why...

Janet's Garden

We also planted asters again this year in a totally different location than in past years.Ours aren't doing so well either.Like your,they look stunted,not growing,just a couple inches high,and when they do flower it's nothing to write home about.

We have some i think they are wild asters,aster cordofolia that bloom and grow like gang busters every year and i love those.Never know what mother nature will do!!
Kathi