This tree will eventually grow large but can be hard pruned each winter to produce huge leaves (you often see them in parks) but I think you lose the flowers this way. It's not invasive in UK, as this suggests that it spreads somehow, but it is just the one trunk. When you say 'exposed' is it windy or by the sea or at altitude? It is originally from foreign climes so needs a sunny site.

I think it needs a sheltered spot....esp if you intend to prune it to produce big leaves, as Volunteer suggests.