The plants probably did not bloom well since we had such I mild summer, that is what I have seen all around. And, since you planted them in July, they were putting most of their energy into survival, getting the root system established; blooms and new top growth were not in its plans at that time. Over the winter the plants will continue to establish its roots and should be ready for new top growth next growing season. Make sure to feed your plants this fall, at this point, the sooner the better, with this feeding they will have food for the developing roots over winter. I would give it a good soaking with Liquid Seaweed too; a half cup to a gallon of water per plant would be good, every two weeks until the first frost. This will assist the roots becoming established.
In regards to pruning, I would not touch it unless to prevent obstruction or removing the suckers at the bottom of the plant, or if you are training it to be tree formed.
FYI, you may want to post questions such as this in the appropriate forum in the future. For example, both should have been posted in the Ornamentals Forum. It would have gotten attention much more quickly there.