The one you have, var. Repens, is a semi prostrate shrub suitable for growing over a low wall, and I suppose in a hanging basket as you have done, although I've not seen that before.
The other type of Thyrsiflorus is a large vigorous shrub. If this is what your friend has then I suspect it's the variety called 'Skylark' which has dark blue flowers and an upright habit and will grow to the size you indicated.
