Q.Do the seed pods bloom or should I cut them off or just leave them be?
It is a small gold star esperanza recently planted in ground from a 2 1/2 quart container.
Without an image it is difficult to say.
If this is recently purchased and planted; you may be seeing flower buds as this plant should bloom in the spring.
I'm listing some articles on care of this plant and hope it will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/esperanza/pruning-esperanza-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/esperanza/esperanza-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/esperanza/esperanza-not-flowering.htm