sounds like it is in a gangly phase consistent with being a teenager ...

most likely it was shaped for shipping and sale.. not a natural form ..

and now that it is getting 'established' ... its outgrowing that forced shape..

w/o a picture.. its hard to tell you what to do.. but i dont think there is anything wrong with it.. besides your expectations ...

google REJUVENATION PRUNING of FLOWERING SHRUBS ... and you will see how this plant will need to be trimmed in the future.. do NOT prune those long ones at height.. or you will just be creating future problems ....

and that should give you insight as to where your plant will be going in the next few years ....

i have a feeling that your plant is going to explode next season.. and i would recommend waiting.. unless budget is of no concern ..

picture??

ken

i am not happy you sent pix to my email ...

but since you did.. your plant is extremely immature.. give it 2 more years.. and let it assume a more proper, natural form.. and then start researching how to rejuvenate as per above ...

pull back the grass to a 4 foot circle.. add some good mulch.. and watch this thing explode in the next few years ...

link below should you wish to post the pic for others to see .. for other opinions ...

the only thing wrong with your plant.. is your 'expectations' ... of what it would do the first year ... relax.. its fine .. let it do its own thing ...

good luck!!!

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link

Many kinds of shrubs grow in bursts, with the newest stems being longer than the older ones.