Buy healthy, green plants with no signs of wilting or disease. Plants should be stocky, with plenty of leaves. It's actually a plus if they don't have any flowers on them - they'll divert their early energy into root development rather than flowering. Choose a site in full sun.
Statice likes good drainage and deep, sandy loam, so consider working in a spadeful or two of sand.
A slope, raised bed or other well-drained site is also a good choice. Plant outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed. Space 8 to 10 inches apart. Keep soil a little on the dry side. Statice likes it that way.