Gold Capella Schefflera: Bud Clusters After Pruning

I hedge Gold Capellas, pinching tops to prevent legginess. Recently, trimmed areas show bud clusters. Is this a flower? OK to trim off? Never seen this on arboricolas or trinettes.

Expert Advice

They occasionally bloom, usually in early winter. What you're seeing is likely new growth (branches) forming from the cut—small, so they resemble buds. Pruning to size is fine for hedges.

Nick