Darom Adom, red anemones of the northern Negev

What it is

Darom Adom means red south in Hebrew. It is the name given to the weeks in late January and February when wild crown anemones flower across the northern Negev, in places such as the Shokeda and Be'eri forests. The red flowers grow thickly in open ground between planted trees, among green winter grass that will be dry and brown by spring. A festival grew up around the bloom, with guided walks, cycling and farmers' markets on weekends. The anemone is one of the best loved wildflowers in the country, and picking it is forbidden. The area lies close to the Gaza border.

Before you go

• Check current security and access conditions before planning a visit.
• Go on a weekday. Festival weekends bring heavy traffic.
• Wildflowers are protected. Photograph them and leave them.

The flowers you will see

Poppy anemoneRed, white, or blue Mediterranean flower with a dark crown centreAnemonePerennial wildflowers with colorful, petal-like sepals known as windflowers

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Poppy anemoneRed, white, or blue Mediterranean flower with a dark crown centre

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