So,

what have you found out about your Abelia?
Have the upright branches started arching?

I seem to remember my Mother's doing that early on and then it arched.

I only have one variety - can't recall the name - but it looks like yours in color - variegated leaves. It hasn't produced any new growth yet, so still arched over, but I saw a new bloom on it today.

~Annie

I have several of those and they did the same thing the first year or two. I just cut back the long stems and the plants have begun to branch and thicken and keep their shape now.

So far I've resisted the temptation to cut them back, but don't think it doesn't cross my mind every time I look at them, lol.

I guess I've waited this long I can wait a little longer.

You know, Mother may have cut hers back like Linda stated...I don't know.
I will ask my nursery man at the Mennonite place. That is where I bought mine. He will know. They grow several varieties.
Then I'll get back to you with what he has to say, ASAP. ;)