I am going to be planting a Franklinia Alatamaha bush on Wednesday. I was just wondering if any of the members here are growing these plants and if there is any special needs of this plant?

Acidic soil for sure. They are pretty disease prone and touchy, I personally wouldn't try despite it's cool history. I would suggest x Gordlinia (hybrid btw Franklinia and Gordonia) or Stewartia instead.

I once planted two fairly large ones and croaked them.

Be very careful about fertlizing them.  I believe it was the watering with some weak Miracle Grow that killed them.  At the time I had no clue as to why they died.  It was only several years later that I found the information.  Somewhat unusual tree with a good blooming time.  Just very sensitive to growing conditions. 

I ended up replacing with some magnolias and have had no problems with them. 

They like a little protection from the wind in the winter, and the branches tend to break in snow and ice.  Encourage multiple leaders - I think the shrub habit is better than trying to train to a single trunk for that reason.  Other than that, I've had success in acidic soil (no fertilizer).  Neat plant, blooming now.  Good luck!

Interesting rare tree, related to Camellia and can be made into tea. Good luck with your tree, I hope to grow it some day too.

Mike in Hanover, VA