Ali, I've not grown them here. But I have done so in Hawaii. Like any other shrub, you will need to direct its growth according to siting & space. Are you planning to grow it primarily for the foliage? If so, formative pruning is a must and will result in a fuller, more shrublike shape. Prune to an outfacing branchlet, or you can prune them hard, even coppicing (taking it down to the ground), which tends to keep it within bounds.
Since this isn't Hawaii or California, its growth rate will most likely be considerably slower. If you are keeping it in a container, plan on providing ample protection over the next few winters. Timing the pruning is key as well. (In Hawaii, anytime; in California, late winter.) Here, I might wait until spring. But then, with our weather being hot, I would probably do it now. They grow fast, so you could get away with pruning immediately, assuming there's enough time for it to push new growth prior to first frost. (Whoa - "First frost" seems light years away!)
This timing business really depends on how much of a risk-taker you are.
I hope this helps!
Kate
