Not having the plant in person, and the details of flowers are blurry I could be wrong. But the with grey green leaves clasping to the stem, I’m still leaning toward the Cerinthe genus. Check out the Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens Blue’ and other variety in the group. from the included link below. Scrolling down to the larger image. Best wishes!

https://nova.co.at/marsNova/en/instance/ko/Cerinthe.xhtml?oid=90473#prevId=75840

I don’t think so, I have raised that one myself.

Maybe some thing the Cerinthe genus (honeyworts)? Check out one in the group the Cerinthe major. Check it out and if you have match. Best wish to you and your cousin. https://wimastergardener.org/article/honeywort-cerinthe-major/